Pregnancy and Oral Health
Pregnancy is a time to take extra special care of your teeth and gum tissue. Your oral health can affect the general and dental health of your unborn child. Poor oral health has been linked to low birth weight and pre-term babies. In addition, pregnancy can be a time where some dental disorders become exaggerated.
Changes to your Oral Health
During your pregnancy, you may experience some changes in your oral health. The primary change is a surge in hormones – particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone, which is linked to an increase of plaque on your teeth. The most common oral complication associated with this increased plaque is swelling of the gum tissue - sometimes referred to as pregnancy gingivitis. Pregnant women are also at risk of developing pregnancy tumors. These benign, inflammatory growths develop when swollen gums become irritated. Once the woman gives birth and her hormone levels return to normal, both of these conditions will reverse and the gum tissue will quickly return to normal. However, if a tumor is uncomfortable and interferes with chewing or brushing, your dentist may decide to remove it.
How to Prevent Complications
- Keep your teeth clean, especially near the gumline.
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and after each meal when possible.
- Floss thoroughly each day.
- Practice good nutrition, which helps keep the oral cavity healthy and strong. Vitamins C, B-12 and calcium can all help keep the oral cavity healthy and strong.
- Schedule more frequent cleanings to help control plaque, reduce gum irritation and decrease the likelihood of pregnancy tumors.
It is important to note that pregnancy does not cause gum disease, rather, pregnancy will worsen any existing condition. If you notice red, swollen gums that bleed easily, persistent bad breath, or gum tissue that pulls away from the teeth, please call us.
When Should I see my Dentist?
If you are planning to become pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant you should see a dentist right away. We recommend that you schedule a dental check-up and cleaning during your first trimester. At that check-up, your care team at Southern Heights Dental Group will assess your oral condition and map out a dental plan for the rest of your pregnancy. It is also recommended to schedule a cleaning in the second trimester, to monitor changes and to gauge the effectiveness of your oral hygiene.
Procedures to Avoid
Non-emergency procedures generally can be performed throughout pregnancy, but the best time for any dental treatment is the fourth through sixth month. If you have a dental emergency – such as severe pain or infection – it is important to visit your dentist to treat the infections. The infection could be more harmful to the developing baby than the treatment. Your obstetrician will be consulted during emergencies that require anesthesia or when medication is be prescribed. Only X-rays that are needed for emergencies will be taken during pregnancy. In most cases, elective dental procedures that can be postponed should be delayed until after the baby’s birth.
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