Springvale Dentist Explains – Dental Care during Pregnancy

If you are planning to become pregnant, a thorough dental health assessment and provision of all vital oral care and advice from the dentist will significantly decrease the risk of any dental problems associated with pregnancy.

Nonetheless, don’t skip your dental appointments just because you are pregnant. Now more than ever, you require regular dental examinations on both your gums and teeth. Visiting your dentist regularly during pregnancy will ensure that your gums remain healthy throughout the entire nine months. Routine dental procedures can be done anytime during pregnancy. Also, any emergency dental procedure can be done.

Make sure that you tell your dentist early in advance that you are pregnant. While it’s safe to visit your dentist while you are pregnant, there are some dental procedures that should be avoided during the first three months or the entire nine months altogether. You can discuss with your dentist whether you can have procedures such as dental fillings or if should they be delayed until after your delivery.

You should steer clear of teeth-whitening kits. Teeth whitening products contain peroxide which might be harmful to the baby. Teeth whiten through an oxidation process, and this may be harmful to the tissues and cells of the fetus. While there are no studies yet that have proved the harmful nature of teeth-whitening products yet, dentists still warn against their use during pregnancy. To make sure that your teeth remain pearly white after delivery just as they were before you got pregnant, regular visits to your dentist should be on top of your priority list. It is as important as visiting any other medical specialist during your pregnancy.

Pregnancy is both an exciting and busy time in a woman’s life. It is exciting because there are quite a number of changes occurring in her life within a very short period. Also, the thought of waiting for a bundle of joy is elating. It’s busy because of the many appointments she is supposed to make while preparing for her baby’s arrival. When you are a woman, there are many different health specialists you are supposed to visit. You should be seeing your gynecologist, general practitioner, and others. Due to your busy life, routine trips to the dentist could easily get lost in the shuffle, and it’s easy for your oral hygiene to go way down your priority list. However, it’s extremely important to practice the best oral hygiene while pregnant. Here are a few ways pregnancy affects your mouth.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Your mouth can easily be affected by the hormonal changes you experience during the pregnancy period. One of the most common dental conditions is pregnancy gingivitis. This is an inflammation of the gums that can cause tenderness and swelling. You may also experience some minor bleeding when you brush and floss. Left untreated, pregnancy gingivitis may result in a more severe form of gum disease. Your dental specialist may recommend more frequent dental cleanings to prevent such an occurrence.

Periodontal Disease

If pregnancy gingivitis goes untreated, it can result in a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the mouth primarily caused by bacteria. These bacteria are mostly found in the sugars you eat due to increased cravings. The bacteria act on the sugar to release an acid that corrodes the protective part of your teeth known as the enamel. This results in cavities which later causes tooth decay. Periodontal disease can spread to the gums and the surrounding bone structure that supports the teeth. This can eventually lead to tooth loss. However, your dentist can treat the periodontal disease even when you are pregnant.

Increased Risk of Tooth Decay

While you are pregnant, you are more prone to cavities due to a number of reasons. First, morning sickness can increase the level of acid in your mouth, which can cause tooth decay. In addition, while you are pregnant, you may have more cravings for carbohydrates and sugary foods which can also result in tooth decay. It’s important to maintain proper dental hygiene by brushing at least twice a day while pregnant and flossing at least once a day.

>Pregnancy Tumours

Some women experience an overgrowth of tissues during pregnancy known as pregnancy tumours. These tumors appear on the gums most often during the second trimester. The tumors are not cancerous but rather swellings that occur most often between the teeth. In most cases, the tumors are related to excess plaque. They usually disappear after delivery but it’s important that you see your dentist early enough to remove them. Your dentist will be in a position to recommend the best treatment for your pregnancy tumors easily and effectively.

Besides the excitement and anticipation of expecting a baby, pregnancy can be related to a myriad of oral problems if precautions are not adequately taken. These problems are largely preventable and avoidable. You are less likely to experience any dental complications if you practice proper oral hygiene. For you to be in a better position to prevent pregnancy-related dental problems, it is important that you first get to know what exactly brings these problems about. In the next few paragraphs, we are going to explain what causes dental health conditions during pregnancy.

Gum Problems

Some women may get swollen or sore gums during pregnancy which may result in bleeding. Bleeding gums are caused by plaque build-up on the teeth. Hormonal changes that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy make her gums more susceptible to the plaque by affecting her body’s response to the plaque. This in most cases results in inflammation and bleeding. This condition is also known as pregnancy gingivitis. Pregnancy gingivitis is more likely to occur during the second trimester. If the condition is not diagnosed or treated it can result in a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontal disease and eventually tooth loss. Another condition that may arise due to gum problems is Pregnancy epulis or pyogenic granuloma. This condition is a localized enlargement of the gums, which can bleed easily.

Untreated gum problems have been linked to low birth weight and premature babies. Let your dentist know if you have any kind of gum problems. Start using a soft-bristled toothbrush and make sure you brush at least twice a day. Visiting your dentist before, during and after pregnancy will help reduce the risk of gum problems.

Vomiting

When you are pregnant, the hormones that your body releases soften the ring muscles which are responsible for keeping food inside the stomach. The vomiting associated with morning sickness or gastric reflux (regulating food and drink) can coat your teeth with strong acid from the stomach. Repeated vomiting and reflux can damage your tooth enamel thus resulting in tooth decay. You are advised not to brush your teeth immediately after vomiting. This is because our teeth soften after it has been coated with stomach acids brought about by vomiting. The vigorous action of the toothbrush may scratch and damage the tooth enamel at such a time.

Use plain tap water to rinse your mouth after vomiting. Follow this up with a fluoride mouthwash. If you don’t have a fluoride mouthwash, you can put a dab of fluoride toothpaste and smear it over your teeth. After an hour has passed after vomiting, you can now gently brush your teeth.

Retching While You Brush

Some women find that brushing their teeth while pregnant; especially the molars provokes them to retch. However, you risk tooth decay if you fail to brush your teeth regularly. To avoid this problem, you can use a toothbrush with a small head, similar to the one meant for toddlers. Don’t be in a hurry while brushing, take your time and do it slowly. It may help to close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. You can also try having other distractions such as listening to music.

A majority of women tend to get provoked by the taste of toothpaste. If this is the case for you, try another brand,or you can brush your teeth with just water and then follow it up with a fluoride mouthwash. You can do this until you are able to use fluoride toothpaste again.

Food Cravings

Some pregnant women experience unusual tooth cravings (and food avoidance) while pregnant. Craving for foods with high sugar content may put you at risk of developing tooth decay. Try and snack on foods with low sugar. If there is nothing else that can control your cravings apart from sugary foods, try healthier options such as fresh fruits. Always rinse your mouth with clean water or milk right after snacking. Moreover, be diligent with your daily brushing and flossing, especially for the next nine months.

There is an urgent call for pregnant women to pay more attention to their dental hygiene habits and oral health. This is because the Australian Dental Association (ADA) has released an alarming percentage of women jeopardizing their oral health while pregnant. According to the ADA, 53% of pregnant women across the country do not practice proper dental hygiene and visit the dentist during their pregnancy. Statistics have it that, 90% of pregnant women in Australia suffer from mouth-related problems while pregnant.

Before even visiting your dentist, you can start by practicing proper dental hygiene at home. Below, we have outlined some useful tips for taking care of your teeth and gums while you are expectant.

Brush and Floss Regularly

This may sound obvious, but being less than vigilant with your dental hygiene routine could lead to the onset of pregnancy gingivitis or worse periodontal disease. This occurs when plaque extends beyond the gum line and causes infection. This can only be prevented by practicing proper dental hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly. Your dentist will be able to advise you on proper oral hygiene measures and advise you on how frequently you should visit a dental hygienist during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Treat Your Gums Gently

As discussed earlier in the article, bleeding gums are a common occurrence in pregnant women. So, pay special attention to your gums while brushing and flossing your teeth. If you find your gums bleeding more frequently, visit your dentist for advice on how to improve your dental health during pregnancy. You can also undertake a professional dental cleaning to reduce the chances of infection.

Eat the Right Food for Your Teeth and Baby

Cravings make it a bit difficult for pregnant women to maintain a healthy diet though it’s vital for them to maintain a balanced diet throughout their pregnancy and even after delivering. Eating the right food and practicing good dental hygiene also promote the oral health of your unborn baby. Your baby’s first teeth begin to develop three months into the pregnancy.

Eat healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and dairy products such as cheese and milk. Other healthy food choices include beans, eggs, fish, and lean meat. Reduce intake of sugary foods and drinks that come with cravings such as cookies and sodas. If you are struggling with nausea, try and eat some healthy snacks throughout the day. To reduce the risk of giving birth to a child with defects, take foods that are rich in folic acids such as oranges, leafy vegetables, and grain products. Also, drink plenty of water between meals and snacks. Make sure that you also eat food that is rich in vitamin C. It helps in bone growth.

Increase Your Calcium Intake during Pregnancy

According to research, pregnant and nursing mothers can lose up to 5% of their bone mass since a lot of calcium diffuses to their baby to help them with the proper development of bones and teeth. This means that pregnant and nursing mothers have a reduced calcium level in their bodies. This poses them with a high risk of getting periodontal disease. It is therefore vital for pregnant women to eat foods that are rich in calcium.

Foods containing a high level of calcium include but are not limited to yogurt, milk, and cheese. You also need to take foods rich in vitamin D so that they can supply your body with phosphorous and calcium. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy can cause skeletal deformities and growth retardation. Lack of sufficient vitamin D can also have a negative impact on the baby’s weight.

Use Mouthwash

Another important thing that pregnant women should incorporate into their daily dental hygiene practices is bacteria-killing mouthwash. It is a common occurrence for pregnant mothers to eat unhealthy foods due to uncontrollable cravings. These foods normally leave behind some particles, creating a good breeding environment for bacteria. After daily brushing and flossing, the other way to ensure that you are completely free of harmful bacteria is through the use of mouthwash.

Stay Hydrated

Studies have it that nursing and pregnant mothers are at high risk of developing tooth decay and other dental problems if they fail to hydrate. It is therefore important to drink lots of water during pregnancy to ensure that your dental health stays on point.

Make Regular Visits to Your Dentist

Just because you are pregnant does not mean that you stop visiting your dentist. If anything, this is the time that you should even be more aggressive with your dental visits. Any small dental problem should prompt you to make a visit to your dentist. Explain any dental problem you might be experiencing to your dentist and make sure that you have followed the instructions that he or she will provide to you to the letter for utmost dental hygiene.

Letting your dentist know that you are pregnant will impact the type of dental care he or she will provide. Your dentist will customize your dental treatment during each trimester.

• First Trimester

During this period, the dentist will help you control plaque through simple scaling and general check-ups. If you have any emergency dental treatment, depending on the severity, the dentist may choose to delay the procedure until the second trimester. No elective treatment should be carried out during this period. Medications at this stage can impact the development of the baby,so they should be avoided during this time.

• Second Trimester

This is a relatively safe period for different dental procedures. Maintenance and simple restorative procedures can be performed during this time. However, if you are supposed to undertake an elective or complex dental procedure, the dentist can choose to delay it until the baby is born.

• Third Trimester

During this period, it can be quite tricky for pregnant mothers to lie down on the dentist’s chair in an appropriate position for dental treatments. So the dentist cannot be able to undertake complex procedures during this stage. However, basic cleaning and scaling are fine during the third trimester.

The possibility of a dental x-ray harming your baby while you are pregnant is very minimal. Generally, the benefits that you will accrue from the diagnostic information from a dental x-ray outweigh the potential risk of harming the baby. However, if the X-ray is received a number of times over the abdominal area within a short time while you are pregnant, your baby can be affected. Dental X-rays don’t go below your head. Though, if it is possible, dentists advice that you should avoid it until you receive your child.

If you need a dental x-ray, make sure you tell your dentist that you’re pregnant. Usually, he will wait until after delivery even if a dental x-ray doesn’t affect the abdominal area. Studies have been conflicting about the potential risk of dental x-rays on pregnant women. However, the Australian Dental Association advises that x-rays should be avoided unless it is extremely necessary. X-rays can provide your dentist with lifesaving information. Just like many other things, x-rays come with risks as well as benefits. If you are not sure if you are pregnant or not, let your dentist know that as well so that he can take it into consideration while evaluating your treatment option.

There you have it; regular dental care is a key component of utmost general and overall health. Despite the lack of extensive research, ample evidence shows that oral health care for pregnant women is safe and highly recommended. Improved oral health during pregnancy decreases the risk of complications both to the baby and the mother. During dental visits, your dentist will be able to give you advice on how to take care of your baby’s teeth even after delivery.