How to Care For Your Teeth During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormones in our body change and can have a significant impact on our health. But what some may not realise is that changes to our hormone levels during pregnancy can also impact the health of our teeth and gums, putting some at risk of developing dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease.

Although swollen and sore gums could be a direct cause of not taking care of teeth properly and plaque build-up, pregnancy hormones can trigger your gums to become inflamed, swollen, or even bleed – this is known as pregnancy gum disease.

With this in mind, Dr Smita Mehra, BDS MFGDPRCS, Principal Dentist here at The Neem Tree Dental Practice, explains the signs to look out for during pregnancy that indicate you might be experiencing gum disease. She also provides some top tips on how to look after your dental health throughout the nine months.

How Pregnancy Affects Oral Health

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through many changes that can affect her oral health in surprising ways. One big factor is hormones. They can make the gums more sensitive and likely to swell and bleed, a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. This can make brushing and flossing painful.

Also, more blood flows to the gums when pregnant. This can make them swell and more prone to collecting plaque and bacteria. If not taken care of, this can cause problems like cavities, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. Morning sickness can also harm teeth by wearing down the enamel and making them more likely to decay.

It’s important for pregnant women to understand these changes and take steps to keep their teeth and gums healthy. By doing this, they can protect their own smile and their baby’s health too.

What causes gum disease in pregnancy, and what are the signs to look for?

Pregnancy gingivitis (pregnancy gum disease) is a dental problem that can happen due to the change in hormones in your body, and usually occurs within the second and eight months of pregnancy, and subsides during the third trimester.

You are more susceptible to gum disease during pregnancy because hormone levels are higher than normal making your body more prone to developing plaque in the mouth, which in turn can attack your teeth and gums and eventually lead to gum disease.

If you’re worried that your oral health may be at risk while pregnant, there are some telltale signs of pregnancy gingivitis to look out for, and should consult with your dentist immediately to seek treatment:

• Swollen, inflamed, or red tender gums after or during brushing and flossing of the teeth
• You may also notice that you begin to experience unpleasant breath odour, even though you are brushing and cleaning your teeth regularly
• Gums may also recede if you are experiencing pregnancy gingivitis, exposing the root of the tooth.

How can you look after your dental hygiene and health during pregnancy?

While unfortunately there isn’t much you can do to prevent pregnancy gingivitis as it can be triggered by hormones that are out of your control, there are plenty of ways you can look after your oral hygiene and health, alongside seeking help from your dentist for treatment:

Practice good oral hygiene

First and foremost, the best way you can protect your teeth and oral health during pregnancy is by making sure that you maintain good oral hygiene.

This means making sure you stick to your regular routine – brushing your teeth twice a day, as well as flossing regularly. As you progress through pregnancy, you may find that even brushing your teeth feels like a chore or the nausea associated with morning sickness is preventing you from brushing your teeth regularly.

If this is the case try switching to a more bland-tasting toothpaste – recommended by your dentist, or using a soft toothbrush that will reduce the chances of gum irritation.

Taking extra time to make sure you complete your oral health care routine is so important, as it will lessen any damage to your oral health caused by changes in hormones.

Click here to find out about our pregnancy hygiene treatments.

Eat a balanced diet

As well as practicing good oral hygiene, it is also important that you try and maintain a balanced diet where possible. During pregnancy, you may find you are craving sugary foods or drinks.

While they are fine in moderation, you should try to stay away from foods that are very high in sugar like sweets, chocolate, or cakes. This is because over time the sugars can attach to your teeth and gums making you prone to plaque build-up, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Rinse your mouth with saltwater

If you start to notice that you are experiencing red or inflamed gums as a result of pregnancy, one thing you can do to keep any irritation or swelling at bay until you see your dentist is rinsing your mouth with saltwater, during your oral health routine.

The salt will help to reduce any inflammation from pregnancy gingivitis and heal any open wounds or sore gums. To do this, get half a teaspoon of salt and dissolve this into warm water. Then swish the solution around your mouth a few times, before spitting and rinsing.

Make sure to be careful not to swallow it.

Take advantage of free dental care and appointments

While pregnant you should also make sure that you visit your dentist regularly, so they can check for any oral health problems, which you may be experiencing. You are entitled to free dental care, appointments and treatment under the NHS, for the duration of your pregnancy and for 12 months after your baby is born.

All you need to do is source a maternity exemption certificate from your GP.

Ultimately it is important to speak to your dentist as soon as you know you are pregnant, as they can check your teeth for any signs of existing oral health problems, as well as offering a professional clean, and treating any conditions as early as possible.

Safe Dental Procedures During Pregnancy

If you’re expecting a baby, you might worry about whether it’s safe to have dental work done. The good news is that most dental procedures are safe and often necessary for your health during pregnancy. However, it’s important to take precautions and talk openly with your dentist to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Regular dental cleanings, for instance, are not only safe but recommended. They help prevent oral health problems that can occur during pregnancy. Gum disease, which can lead to premature birth or low birth weight, can be avoided with regular cleanings. Dentists can also use digital X-rays, which are safe during pregnancy, to check for and treat any oral issues.

It’s best to avoid certain treatments like elective cosmetic procedures while pregnant. These can wait until after your baby is born, and your dentist will guide you on the right choices.

To stay safe, tell your dentist you’re pregnant and share any medications you’re taking. This way, they can take proper care of you and give advice tailored to your needs. With good guidance, you can keep your teeth healthy during pregnancy and be ready for a happy time after your baby arrives.

Nutrition and Oral Health: What to Eat for a Healthy Mouth

Eating well is really important for a healthy mouth, especially when you’re pregnant. As an expectant mum, it’s vital to give your body the right nutrients to stay healthy and help your baby grow. A balanced diet can also stop dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease, which happen more often when you’re pregnant because of hormones.

Munching on crunchy fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery can make your mouth produce more spit, which neutralises acids and makes your teeth stronger. Dairy foods such as milk and cheese are full of calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals that help build strong teeth and bones. Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like salmon and walnuts can lower swelling and keep your gums healthy.

But sugary and acidic foods can damage your teeth by causing decay and erosion. It’s a good idea to limit sweet drinks like fizzy pop and sports drinks, and acidic foods such as citrus fruits and dressings with vinegar. Going for whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats gives your body all the right nutrients for a strong mouth and feeling good all over.

Managing Dental Emergencies During Pregnancy

When you’re expecting a baby, it’s normal to worry about your health, including your teeth. But emergencies like sudden toothaches, lost fillings, or broken teeth can happen unexpectedly, which can be upsetting, especially with all the changes of pregnancy.

It’s important to know that dental problems won’t get better on their own, and ignoring them could lead to serious issues like infections or even early labour. If you have a dental emergency during pregnancy, it’s vital to get help straight away from your dentist or an emergency dentist.

Your dentist will check your situation and recommend the best treatment, taking your pregnancy into account and making sure it’s safe for you and your baby. Sometimes, they might need to use x-rays or other tests to understand the problem better. If you’re worried about these tests, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist about their safety during pregnancy. They’ll do everything they can to keep you safe.

By being ready for emergencies and knowing what to do, you can reduce the chance of problems and have a healthy, happy pregnancy.

Post-Pregnancy Oral Health: What to Expect

After your baby arrives, it’s important to remember that looking after your teeth doesn’t stop. The time after pregnancy can bring its own challenges for your teeth and gums. Hormonal changes might still affect your oral health, and breastfeeding can also have an impact.

When you’re pregnant, hormones can make your mouth dry, which raises the chance of tooth decay and other problems. Breastfeeding can sometimes make your teeth feel more sensitive, and eating more often to keep up with your baby’s needs might mean you make choices that aren’t great for your teeth.

Being tired and stressed from looking after a new baby can also make it hard to keep up with brushing and flossing like you used to. It’s really important to keep on top of your oral health during this time. Make sure you see your dentist regularly, keep up good habits like brushing well, and speak up if you have any worries.

By doing this, you can make sure your smile stays healthy and happy while you take care of your new baby.

As you start this amazing journey into motherhood, keep in mind that your oral health is closely connected to how you feel overall and how healthy your baby is. By making your dental care a priority and learning about the special things to think about during pregnancy, you can keep your smile bright and healthy. Thank you for joining us in this important talk, and we wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy!