Pregnant moms have a lot to keep up with. Between extra doctor visits and preparing for a new family member, oral health care can fall by the wayside. Remind yourself that oral health during pregnancy should still be a priority. Visiting the dentist consistently allows them to keep tabs of any changes in the health of your mouth. Since pregnancy can impact oral health, it’s doubly important to attend your regularly scheduled appointments and let your dentist know of any changes in your life. Your dentist may even want to see you more frequently during your pregnancy since it does have the ability to change the health of your mouth. If you don’t want to do it for yourself, do it for your baby. Some oral health conditions can impact a baby’s birth weight or their own oral health.

All pregnancies are different; you’ve probably already heard that. Some women go all nine months without having any dental problems. But, others experience oral health problems during pregnancy. A dentist visit can help you be mindful of what can happen in the mouth in case you start to experience any oral symptoms. 

These are a few of the most common dental health problems during pregnancy that can occur:

Oral Health During Pregnancy: Pregnancy Gingivitis

Hormones change quite a bit during pregnancy, causing hot flashes, fatigue, mood changes, and even changes in oral health. If you experience sensitivity or bleeding, swollen gums during pregnancy, you could be experiencing what’s called, “pregnancy gingivitis.” A rapid increase in hormones estrogen and progesterone can increase the flow of blood to your gum tissue. Hormonal changes also have the ability to impact the way the body fights infection, too.  Because of this, it’s crucial to maintain good daily oral health habits and dental visits during your pregnancy.

Don’t be deterred if you start to see bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. This is a symptom of increased sensitivity and tenderness. If left untreated, gum inflammation or gingivitis can lead to more serious conditions and impact your health and the health of your baby.

Studies of women with periodontitis, or severe gum inflammation, while pregnant found that it’s linked to preterm birth and low birth weight. Cariogenic bacteria are the kind of bacteria in the mouth that lead to disease. When high levels of cariogenic bacteria are present in the mother during pregnancy, it can lead to increased cavities in the infant. Keep these bacteria at bay by brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, keeping up with dentist appointments, and not sharing utensils with your baby.

Oral Health During Pregnancy: Tooth Decay

There are a few changes that happen in the body during pregnancy that can leave your teeth more susceptible to harm. If you’re cravings are for carbohydrates or sweets, those snacks will lead to tooth decay faster than healthier options like fruits and veggies. Additionally, if you’re experiencing morning sickness, your mouth is getting more exposure to acid than normal. Click here to learn how to deal with dental care after vomiting. Symptoms of morning sickness will erode the enamel on the inner surface of the teeth, usually the front teeth. Rinsing with water afterwards can substantially help reduce the enamel erosion.

Salivation can also change in some women when they become pregnant. The decreased flow of saliva can cause dry mouth. A lack of saliva prevents food particles and bacteria from being washed away in the mouth, which is why having a dry mouth over time causes tooth decay.

Oral Health During Pregnancy: Oral Tumors

One oral health change some pregnant women experience is more alarming for the mom than it is dangerous. Tissue overgrowths in the gums can happen, often during the second trimester. Don’t be frightened, as many mistake this for a form of cancer. Rather, this is a side-effect of swollen gums and can be related to excess plaque. Talk to your dentist if you think you’re experiencing this symptom for reassurance. Though they usually disappear when the baby is born, your dentist can help you decide if you’d like to address it before then.

The American Pregnancy Organization’s website provides insightful advice for pregnant or new moms looking for the best way to approach their dental care:

• After adjusting to the news of your new baby, give your dentist a call to let them know.
• Your dentist will likely recommend you have some preventive exams and cleanings scheduled.
• Postpone non-emergency dental work until the second trimester or after delivery, if possible.
• Healthy circulation is important while you sit in the dentist’s chair during your appointment. Maintain good circulation by keeping your legs uncrossed.
• Bring a pillow along! This can help keep you and the baby more comfortable.
• Headphones and your favorite music can turn a necessary appointment into a relaxing endeavor.

Additional Tips

Additionally, the American Dental Association (ADA) urges pregnant women and new moms to eat a balanced diet, as we all should.

During pregnancy, don’t forgo brushing your teeth thoroughly with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and floss daily.

There is no risk in visiting the dentist while pregnant. The American Pregnancy.org website writes, “some women may elect to avoid dental work during the first trimester knowing this is the most vulnerable time of development. However, there is no evidence suggesting harm to the baby for those electing to visit the dentist during this time frame.”

Procedures like cavity fillings when pregnant are safe and shouldn’t be avoided. Additionally, your dentist can help you understand and correct any pregnancy-related dental problems you may be experiencing. Routine x-ray examinations can be delayed until after the birth, so discuss your options with your dentist.

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