The old myths that your teeth are drained of calcium during pregnancy, or that you’ll loose a tooth, are just that – myths. These and other old wives’ tales suggest a need to learn the facts about maintaining healthy teeth and gums during this time.

Your daily oral hygiene practice is very important in this regard. Because of changes in hormone levels, your gum tissues are more sensitive to the effects of plaque. This is the invisible , sticky layer of harmful bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. With an increased sensitivity , there is also an increased possibility of gingivitis, an infection of the gums marked by redness, tenderness and frequent bleeding. Gingivitis reportedly occurs in 60 to 75 percent of all pregnant women.

If undetected, gingivitis can lead to more serious periodontal diseases. Some women may experience unhealthy gums during pregnancy. Fortunately for those women, once the hormone levels decrease after delivery, more healthy gum tissues should return.

Daily maintenance of the teeth through brushing and flossing, particularly at the gumline, helps keep plaque levels low and reduces the chance of infection.

If your teeth are plaque-free at pregnancy’s onset and a good daily cleaning program is maintained, your chances of being troubled by gingivitis are greatly reduced.

Oral health is important

Along with a healthy diet and folic acid supplements, looking after your teeth and gums should be a routine part of preparing for a healthy pregnancy. Poor oral health, can affect your general health and that of your baby.

Smoking during pregnancy can worsen gum disease and further increase the risk of your baby being born prematurely or having a low birth weight.

Prevention is better than cure so if you are planning to become pregnant, or have just found out that you are pregnant, make an early visit to your dentist a top priority. During this visit, your dentist will:

  • Give you a simple oral health routine to follow through your pregnancy.
  • Show you how to clean your teeth and gums.
  • Discuss any urgent treatment you may require.

Brushing is important

  • To avoid plaque build up it is important to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums twice a day, in the morning after breakfast and last thing at night before going to sleep. Remember, each tooth has five surfaces – a front, back, two sides and a top. The only sure way to prevent dental disease is to clean every surface.
  • Gagging can occur while brushing your teeth. If brushing makes you feel sick try using a very small headed brush, such as a brush designed for children, and concentrate on your breathing as you clean your back teeth.
  • Brushing without toothpaste may help. Rinse with a fluoride toothpaste and water twice a day but return to brushing with fluoride toothpaste as soon as possible.

Fluoride

  • Fluoride strengthens the teeth and helps to prevent decay.
  • Fluoride in toothpaste or water does not harm a developing baby.
  • Fluoride is found in most toothpastes and your dental professional may recommend you also use a fluoride mouth rinse or have a professional topical fluoride treatment.

Will my teeth benefit from a calcium supplement during pregnancy?

A balanced, nutritious diet, with plenty of fruit and vegetables will provide the minerals and vitamins for good oral health and the normal development of your baby’s teeth, which begin to form six weeks after conception.

The most important vitamins and minerals for good oral health are: vitamins A, C, and D, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, protein. A healthy, balanced diet throughout your pregnancy should provide all your requirements.

There is no need to take calcium supplements during pregnancy.

  • Dairy products, as part of a normal healthy diet will provide all the calcium you need for your baby’s developing teeth and bones.
  • Your teeth will not be affected if there is a shortage of calcium in your diet; your body will supply any shortfall from reserve supplies in your bones.
  • Drink plenty of water and avoid soft drinks as much as possible.

Dental treatment during pregnancy

If you need any essential dental treatment, the best time for this is during the second trimester, between the fourth and sixth month. Non-emergency dental treatment is usually avoided during the first three months of pregnancy, while the baby’s organs are developing and during the final three months when excess stress may induce premature labour.

However, if you are having dental problems during the first or last trimester, visit your dentist for advice. Any dental treatment or medication that you need can be arranged safely by your dentist with the assistance of your doctor.

Passing decay – causing bacteria on to your baby

  • Everybody, except newborn babies, has varying levels of decay-causing bacteria (germs) in their mouth.
  • The bacteria are passed from person to person.
  • When your baby is born she does not have decay causing bacteria in her mouth.
  • As the teeth come through the gum, the bacteria that cause decay are passed to the baby by their carers and family, through kissing, food tasting or by cleaning the dummy in their own mouth.
  • Carers, especially mothers, can lower the amount of bacteria passed to their baby by keeping their own teeth and mouth healthy. This can be done with daily brushing and flossing, a diet low in sugars and regular dental visits.
  • It is also important to have all your own decay treated so you will have low levels of bacteria.

Sources: CYH, The pregnancy Guide, VHI

Related Posts