Dental health in pregnant women
Taking care of your teeth and gums is of paramount importance if you are pregnant. During pregnancy, hormones change and can affect your oral health and your risk of developing gum disease and cavities.
Pregnancy is a risky period for your teeth and gums
Hormonal changes tend to weaken teeth and gums. Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) are then more frequent, it is possible to have pain and bleeding from the gums. Another big change is diet, pregnant women are often prone to nausea and vomiting and then change their eating habits. Not to mention that they have more frequent sweet cravings, these changes sometimes lead to an increase in cavities.
If morning sickness causes vomiting, rinse your mouth well with water or a mouthwash that contains fluoride. Stomach acid left on teeth can damage enamel and cause cavities. After rinsing, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Plan to visit your dental hygienist and your dentist early in your pregnancy to determine the frequency of visits for the next nine months.
And teeth whitening?
The Order of Dentists suggests that pregnant or breastfeeding women wait until after pregnancy or after breastfeeding before undergoing teeth whitening treatment.
The effects of gingivitis on pregnancy
Did you know that in addition to harming your health, gingivitis can affect the baby:
- In fact, according to a recent study, pregnant women who suffer from gingivitis are more likely to give birth before term with a low birth weight baby;
- The rate of premature babies is also higher in those with gingivitis;
- Gum disease is also one of the causes of high blood pressure during pregnancy, also called preeclampsia.
How to avoid problems?
Following the tips below will help you limit dental problems during your pregnancy:
- Brush your teeth after every meal or snack and floss at least once a day. Flossing removes bacterial plaque from between teeth.
- Reduce the consumption of foods with added sugar, as they promote the development of bacterial dental plaque. Opt for snacks such as fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and dairy products.
- To maintain good dental hygiene, visit your dentist regularly. It is important to let her know that you are pregnant. A visit in the 1st trimester allows for teeth cleaning and scaling.
And the x-rays…
There is no need to panic and refuse any intervention or medication. However, these should be kept to a strict minimum. Generally, your dentist will suggest waiting until after childbirth before continuing with the examinations, but if he suggests proceeding more quickly, it means that he will have weighed the pros and cons and that the X-ray is important for the care or diagnosis.
Dental care should be performed if possible between the 4th and 8th month of pregnancy. However, in case of emergencies, it is essential to quickly consult your dentist in order to avoid a worsening of the situation endangering the mother but also her future child. Your dentist is able to define the urgent care and those that can or must be postponed until after the pregnancy.
