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There is so much to think about when you are pregnant, and your dental health is no exception. During pregnancy, a woman experiences major changes in hormone levels that make her mouth more vulnerable to bacteria and gum disease. This can cause tender, inflamed gums — a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. Left untreated, this can lead to periodontitis — a more serious form of gum disease — and have many adverse effects on the mother and the baby, including tooth loss, premature labor, low birth weight, and increased dental caries during childhood. For these reasons it is critical that women are extra vigilant about keeping their teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy.
The good news is that gingivitis and other serious oral diseases are easy to treat with proper oral hygiene, good nutrition and routine dental visits. The most common signs of pregnancy gingivitis include swollen or red gums, gums that bleed easily when brushing and flossing, tenderness in the gums, and persistent bad breath. Pregnant women should seek treatment immediately if any of these symptoms are present to reduce the risk of birth complications.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, here are simple ways you can prevent dental problems for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
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Brush Up On Your Oral Health
Proper oral hygiene is especially important during pregnancy. That means brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove harmful plaque that causes decay and oral diseases. Flossing consistently along the gum line is also the best way to prevent and treat pregnancy gingivitis. By cleaning the tooth surfaces often, you can help relieve and reverse many symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis while improving your overall health.
If you suffer from morning sickness and vomiting at any time during your pregnancy, avoid using flavored toothpaste that may contribute to your nausea. Frequent vomiting can also damage your tooth enamel, so always rinse your mouth with water or a mouth rinse after being sick to neutralize your stomach acid.
Maintain Regular Appointments With Your Dentist
When you are pregnant it is very important that you continue to see your dentist for professional cleanings and checkups. Visiting your dentist is not only safe during pregnancy, but it is also one of the most important ways to prevent oral infection and reduce pregnancy complications. Professional dental cleanings every six months can even help alleviate common pregnancy symptoms, such as bleeding and swollen gums — all of which are associated with elevated pregnancy hormones. If you have a history of gingivitis, your dentist may recommend that you visit more frequently. Be sure to tell your dentist about your pregnancy and any questions you have about your oral health, especially if tenderness, bleeding or gum swelling is present at any time during your pregnancy.
Eat Healthy Foods
Following a well-balanced diet is a no-brainer when it comes to pregnancy, as it benefits the health and well being of both the mom and the baby. But did you know that the foods you put in your body while you are pregnant could also affect your baby’s smile? By the third month of pregnancy, your baby’s teeth have already begun to form. You can help ensure that your unborn child’s teeth and gums are healthy and strong by consuming the right quantity of nutrients, such as vitamins A, C and D, as well as dairy and lean proteins.
Expecting mothers should also eat a variety of healthy foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables, which will benefit your body as well as your baby’s growth and development. Resist the urge to snack all day, and limit your sugar intake when possible, as foods and drinks high in sugar fuel bacteria found in plaque that causes decay and gum disease. Instead, satisfy your sugary cravings with low-sugar snacks and fresh fruit. Drink plenty of water with fluoride, especially between meals and snacks.
Remember, signs of gum disease, especially during pregnancy, should not be ignored and may require treatment from a dental professional. Take the time to brush and floss properly every day, eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods, and visit your dentist for routine care. All of these simple lifestyle changes can help you keep dental problems at bay while giving you and your baby-to-be the best health possible.