The Impact of Pregnancy on Oral Health

Pregnancy is a period of immense physical and emotional change. While you are busy preparing for your baby, it’s important to remember that you also need to take care of yourself. Your oral health needs to remain in good shape while you are pregnant.

Pregnancy and Oral Health

Your oral health is important, even when pregnant. That’s because poor oral health can affect the health of your baby as well. In fact, periodontal infections may cause premature birth or low birth weight among newborns. Therefore, focus on maintaining good oral hygiene habits throughout your pregnancy to keep your oral health strong. You’ll also want to schedule a visit with us during your first trimester so we can monitor the health of you and your baby.

Morning Sickness

Most women experience morning sickness during pregnancy, particularly during the first few months when hormone levels are changing rapidly. This can cause you to feel nauseous and frequently vomit throughout the day. Unfortunately, this can lead to dry mouth – a condition that can be uncomfortable and even painful. Preventing morning sickness from impacting your oral health is possible if you know how.

Don’t brush immediately after vomiting or eating acidic foods. Instead, rinse your mouth with water for a few minutes and then brush. Avoid drinking a lot of soda or fruit juices, as these can erode your teeth and cause decay. To prevent cavities, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time. If you experience morning sickness often, consider chewing sugarless gum to stimulate saliva production. If you are prescribed any medications for morning sickness, let your dentist know so they know the best treatment for you.

Gingivitis

An increase in hormones, especially progesterone, and estrogen, can lead to gingivitis during pregnancy. This hormone change causes an increase in blood flow to the gum tissues making them swollen and red. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis and cause tooth loss. In addition, if the mother has the untreated periodontal disease when she delivers her child, she can transfer the bacteria to her baby through her bloodstream. Once in your baby’s system, it will cause early tooth decay and lead to the need for further dental treatments.

To treat your gingivitis at home, you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush with toothpaste containing fluoride. Additionally, you should use an antiseptic mouthwash that does not have alcohol in it. If you have difficulty flossing because of your inflamed gums, use an interdental toothbrush or proxy brush to clean between your teeth instead.

If you notice any signs of infection, such as swelling in your glands, tenderness of your palate, or persistent bad breath, please call us so we can remove any bacteria and treat you immediately.

Certain pregnancy risk factors like diabetes, smoking, obesity, poor nutrition, and hormonal imbalances can increase a pregnant woman’s chance of developing gingivitis. To prevent this, practice good oral hygiene habits at home and visit us for cleanings and checkups.

To learn more, contact Robinson Family Dentistry by calling (843) 554-9332, booking an appointment online, or visiting us at 1281 Yeamans Hall Road, Hanahan, SC 29410. Dr. Hugh Robinson and Dr. Ryan Robinson will be happy to help you choose the best option for you.