 Pregnancy and Oral Health
There are two common myths about pregnancy and teeth:
- "You lose a tooth for every pregnancy you have."
- "If you don't get enough calcium during pregnancy, your body takes it from your teeth."
Neither one of these is true. However, tooth decay and gum disease are still concerns during pregnancy. What you should know is the following:
If you are pregnant or considering it, now is the time to pay particular attention to your teeth and gums. During pregnancy, there are changers in hormone levels that occur which can exaggerate some dental problems. Gingivitis can occur. Many women who previously had healthy teeth and gums may notice that their gums become swollen, inflamed or bleed during their pregnancy. This condition is sometimes called "pregnancy gingivitis." It may appear as early as the first trimester and is the result of changes in hormone levels, including increased amounts of progesterone. These levels exaggerate the way gum tissues react to irritants in plaque. It's the plaque, however, not the hormone levels, that is the major cause of gum disease. You can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean, especially around the gum line. Tooth decay, not pregnancy, can cause tooth loss. Tooth decay results from repeated acid attacks on tooth enamel. Keeping your teeth clean and free of plaque and limiting exposure to sugar or starch can help prevent decay. Each time you snack on foods with sugar or starch, the acids can attack tooth enamel for up to 20 minutes. If done throughout the day, your teeth could be exposed to acid for long periods. Brush twice a day with fluoride paste and floss daily.
Taking good care of your mouth is important not just for your own sake, but also for the fetus. Some research suggests that serious gum disease, called periodontitis, is linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
If you are planning a pregnancy, schedule a dental checkup. Have your teeth cleaned and schedule any necessary treatment. This can help reduce the risk of having a dental emergency during your pregnancy. You can continue to have regular dental visits during your pregnancy. However, you may be advised to avoid elective treatment during the first three months of pregnancy. If you have a history of miscarriage, an elebated risk to miscarry, or you have some other medical condition, your dentist may recommend that treatment be postponed.
During the last months of pregnancy, sitting in the dental chair for extended periods may be uncomfortable. If you have a history of premature delivery, you should avoid receiving treatment during this time unless it is an emergency. For your peace of mind and comfort, the fourth through sixth months of pregnancy are usually the best time for necessary treatment. However, if a dental emergency occurs, do not hesitate of have necessary dental treatment done. X-rays normally are avoided during pregnancy, but sometimes an X-ray cannot wait until after the baby is born. Radiation from dental X-rays is extremely low. However, every precaution is taken to minimize radiation exposure. ‡
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