Maintaining Oral Health When Expecting a Baby

Whether you’re expecting a baby or not, dental health is always important. However, when it comes to pregnancy, maintaining oral hygiene is particularly crucial – and it can be challenging. From increased hormone levels to morning sickness, there are several ways that being pregnant impacts your oral health – but armed with the right knowledge and understanding of these changes, you can keep your smile healthy and strong throughout this special time. In this blog post, we’ll explore how pregnancy affects oral health and discuss ways to maintain optimal dental care while expecting.

How Oral Health Changes When Expecting a Baby

When you’re pregnant, your body experiences a lot of changes. This includes changes to your oral health – and unfortunately, not all of them are pleasant. Increased levels of hormones in the body can lead to an increased risk for gum disease, or gingivitis. Hormones also loosen ligaments and increase blood flow throughout the body, including the mouth, which can make the gums tender and swollen.

Morning sickness is another common side effect of pregnancy – and unfortunately, it can take a toll on your oral health. Stomach acids from vomiting are very acidic, and this acidity can wear on enamel and cause damage to teeth if left unchecked.

Pregnancy and Periodontal Disease

Nearly 60 to 75% of pregnant women have gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease that occurs when the gums become red and swollen from inflammation that may be aggravated by changing hormones during pregnancy. If gingivitis is not treated, the bone that supports the teeth can be lost, and the gums can become infected. Teeth with little bone support can become loose and may eventually have to be extracted. Periodontitis has also been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. However, how periodontitis may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes is not yet fully understood.

Dental care is safe and important during pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Dental Cavities

Pregnant women may also be at risk for cavities due to changes in behaviors, such as eating habits. Women who have a lot of cavity-causing bacteria during pregnancy and after delivery could transmit these bacteria from their mouth to the mouth of their baby. Early contact with these bacteria and to other sugars, such as from frequent snacking or taking a bottle to bed, can lead to early childhood cavities and the need for extensive dental care at a young age.

• 1 in 4 women of childbearing age have untreated cavities.
• Children of mothers who have high levels of untreated cavities or tooth loss are more than 3 times more likely to have cavities as a child.
• Children with poor oral health status are nearly 3 times more likely to miss school because of dental pain.

Tips for Maintaining Oral Health When Expecting a Baby

The good news is that there are ways to protect your oral health when expecting a baby. Here are some tips:

• Keep brushing and flossing – even if you’re feeling too sick to brush or floss, make sure you do it at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash – to help reduce bacteria in the mouth and keep plaque from forming.
• Visit your dentist regularly – even if you’re feeling too nauseous to go in person, make sure you reach out to your dentist for virtual visits or check-ins.
• Drink plenty of water – staying hydrated can help protect your enamel and wash away harmful acids from vomiting.
• Choose food and drinks carefully – pick snacks that are high in calcium and other vitamins and minerals, and opt for water or milk instead of acidic sodas or juices.

By following these tips, you can help protect your oral health throughout your pregnancy.

Is Dental Care Safe when Expecting a Baby?

Yes, it’s safe to visit the dentist while pregnant, and it’s important to seek dental care during this time. Your dentist can provide you with advice on how to maintain good oral hygiene and discuss any treatments that might be necessary.

Make an Appointment with Glacier Creek Dental

At Glacier Creek Dental, we understand the importance of oral health during pregnancy – and we’re here to help. Our team is dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy smile throughout your entire pregnancy journey. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us today!