Congratulations on your growing family! Pregnancy is an exciting time that comes with a lot of changes, including changes to your oral health. Many moms-to-be don’t realize the dental changes like hormonal shifts can make them more prone to gum disease and cavities.
Taking care of your teeth and gums during pregnancy is important for both your health and your baby’s well-being. Here’s what you need to know to keep your smile healthy while you’re expecting.
How Pregnancy Affects Your Oral Health
Pregnancy can affect your gums and teeth in several (sometimes surprising) ways. You may have heard some of the myths about pregnancy and teeth. For example, many people say moms tend to get cavities during pregnancy because the baby takes calcium from your teeth.
While that’s (thankfully) not true, it is based on some truths about how pregnancy and oral health can affect each other. Here are some changes you should know about!
The Truth About Pregnancy and Cavities
It is true that pregnant women are at higher risk for tooth decay than when they’re not pregnant. However, this is generally because of two things: more acid in the mouth and more starchy snacking.
Morning Sickness and Acid Reflux
Many people experience morning sickness and frequent vomiting in the early months of a pregnancy. As the baby grows in the third trimester, it also takes up space where the stomach normally sits, leading to acid reflux. Both of these issues bathe the teeth in acids that can weaken and erode enamel, and increase your cavity risk.
Starchy Snacking
We also tend to do more starchy snacking during pregnancy, such as eating soda crackers to settle the stomach when you have morning sickness. As these starches break down, they also increase acids in the mouth, creating even higher cavity risks.
So, although the baby isn’t stealing calcium from your teeth (be sure to get enough calcium during pregnancy to prevent other types of issues!), it is true that you may be more likely to get a cavity during pregnancy.
Pregnancy and Your Gums
There are specific hormonal changes that help the uterine wall thicken and develop additional blood vessels to support your growing baby. Because your gums are similar to your uterine tissues, those hormones can trigger similar changes in your gums during pregnancy.
That means that you may notice your gums swelling and bleeding more than usual while you’re pregnant. This is called pregnancy gingivitis.
In most cases, pregnancy gingivitis is an exaggerated response to bacteria that cause normal gingivitis. Great oral hygiene can remove many of these triggers and help keep your gums calm. In many cases, getting more frequent dental cleanings during pregnancy can make a big difference, too!
About Pregnancy Tumors
It sounds scary, but “pregnancy tumor” is the informal name for a small growth on the gums that can happen during pregnancy. If you notice a mass on your gums during pregnancy, it’s usually nothing to worry about. In most cases, this will go away on its own after you deliver. And if not, we can gently remove it in a quick and simple procedure. Of course, if you’re worried, don’t hesitate to call us so we can take a look!
How Oral Health Can Affect Your Pregnancy
Now that you know a few ways pregnancy can affect your oral health, it’s important to understand that this relationship goes the other way, too!
Periodontal disease increases your risks for preeclampsia, preterm labor, and low birthweight. While the exact relationship between gum disease and pregnancy outcomes is still being investigated, the current best understanding is that the inflammatory immune response associated with gum disease may travel through the bloodstream to affect the tissues of the uterus and placenta.
Similarly, untreated dental issues such as tooth decay can turn into infections that put your health and the health of your baby at serious risk. So, good oral health is a critical part of a healthy pregnancy.
Is It Safe to Visit the Dentist During Pregnancy?
Absolutely! Regular dental visits are safe and highly recommended. In fact, keeping up with cleanings and exams can help prevent oral health issues that could impact your pregnancy. Here’s what you should know:
- Routine cleanings and dental exams are safe. In fact, you may benefit from more frequent cleanings during your pregnancy!
- The second trimester is safest for non-emergency dental work. In general, we recommend waiting until after you have your baby for procedures that can wait that long. However, cavities and other dental issues should be treated in a timely fashion to prevent worse problems and the second trimester is the best time for non-emergency care.
- We can take necessary dental X-rays safely. Your routine check-up X-rays can wait until after you have your baby. However, if you have an urgent issue, we can safely take necessary images with proper shielding.
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- Postpone elective dental care during pregnancy. Elective treatments like cosmetic dentistry or teeth whitening, and procedures that aren’t urgent like dental implants, should wait until after delivery to minimize potential risks. We’ll take care of it later!
- Be sure to tell us you’re pregnant! This will allow us to tailor our plan to keep you and your growing baby comfortable and safe.
Essential Dental Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy
Good oral hygiene is always important, but it’s especially crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Here are some ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to protect against cavities.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
- Rinse with water or fluoride mouthwash after morning sickness to protect your enamel. (But don’t brush for at least 20 minutes after vomiting to prevent erosion!)
- Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus to support healthy teeth.
- Stay hydrated to prevent dry mouth, which can lead to cavities. (Especially important here in Arizona!)
- Limit sugary snacks to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Can My Dental Problems Affect My Baby’s Teeth?
Yes! Your oral health can have a direct impact on your baby’s well-being. Here’s why it matters:
- Gum disease is linked to preterm birth and low birth weight.Keeping your gums healthy may help reduce pregnancy complications.
- Bacteria from cavities can be passed to your baby. If you have untreated decay, you may transfer harmful bacteria to your child later on.
- Good habits start early. Taking care of your own teeth sets a great example for your child’s future oral health.
We’re Here to Help You Enjoy a Healthy Pregnancy with Family Dentistry in Arizona!
Your dental health is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. By keeping up with routine dental visits with our dental offices in Phoenix and Ahwatukee, practicing good oral hygiene, and making smart dietary choices, you can protect both your smile and your baby’s health. If you have any concerns, talk to us! Our team at Imagine Dental is here to help you enjoy great oral health through every stage of your pregnancy journey!
