It is without doubt that pregnant women go through many changes during their pregnancy. However, you should know that their teeth and their entire mouth are not spared from the changes that occur in their body. To promote the healthy smile of expecting mothers, our team prepared this article to raise awareness on important issues related to oral health during pregnancy.
Hormonal changes and their effects on the gums
Due to increased levels of estrogen and progesterone in the blood, two hormones linked to pregnancy, pregnant women are at a greater risk of developing gum inflammation. Due to hormonal changes, gum tissue is more vulnerable to bacteria found in dental plaque and tartar. This is even called ''pregnancy gingivitis''. It most often manifests from the third month and may be recognized by the following signs and symptoms: red and slightly swollen gums, increased sensitivity and bleeding during oral hygiene routine.
Gingivitis must be treated, otherwise, without treatment, it may evolve and extend to the tissues of the periodontium, that is those responsible for maintaining the teeth on the jaws. The teeth may then become mobile and, in the worst cases, fall out! Gum disease during pregnancy is also linked to a risk of high blood pressure called preeclampsia.
In addition, scientific studies have shown a link between gum disease during pregnancy and a higher risk of giving birth prematurely. Mouth bacteria may travel through bloodstream to the placenta. They may then cause the production of an enzyme that can trigger labor.
An increased risk of cavities during pregnancy
In addition to gum disease, one must consider the increased risk of cavities that women face during pregnancy. Two specific factors explain this higher risk: frequent food cravings, which often leads to eating sugary or carbohydrate rich foods, and nausea, which may cause vomiting.
Of course, cravings and frequent snacking expose the teeth to a high level of acidity, since the bacteria of the mouth feed on sugary food residues. They then produce acidity that attacks the enamel of the teeth, which may lead to the formation of tooth decay.
Nausea and vomiting, which are more common during the first trimester, also risk exposing teeth to significant acidity, since vomit is very acidic.
What to do in case of vomiting?
It is advised to wait 30 minutes after vomiting to allow the saliva to restore a more neutral pH level inside the mouth. Afterwards, you may brush your teeth to reduce the risk of cavities.
Advice from our dentists for pregnant women
In the light of information about the increased risk of gum disease and cavities during pregnancy, our dentists and their team share some tips to implement if you are pregnant, or during a future pregnancy.
- Maintain a very good hygiene: continue to brush your teeth after each meal and before heading to bed, and so, by using a toothpaste with fluoride which better protect the teeth against cavities. Also, do not neglect the daily use of floss to dislodge a maximum of dental plaque, the accumulation of which is directly linked to gingivitis.
- Visit your dentist during your first trimester: it is recommended to visit the dentist as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. This allows for professional cleaning, including scaling, to limit the risk of gum inflammation. Your dentist and hygienist may also give you advice on how to support the health of your smile during this period of great change.
- Do not hesitate to consult in case of pain or symptom: it is wrong to believe that you should avoid visiting the dentist during pregnancy. Most care may be performed during this period, especially if it is to treat a dental emergency.
Finally, it should be noted that it is important to prevent the development of oral pathologies which may lead to complications and even affect the smooth sailing of the pregnancy. In necessary, request an appointment with your dentist in LaSalle at Dents Mon Quartier.
Approved by Dre Charouk
Dr. Joumana Charouk, D.M.D, is proud to offer her patients exceptional care that combines experience, efficiency and good humor.
Dre Joumana Charouk, D.M.D