Unlike cravings and comfy clothing, pregnancy and oral health are two topics that may not spring to mind immediately when it comes to being pregnant, yet mums to be take note – pregnancy does in fact have an impact on your gums and teeth!
Although it doesn’t necessarily change or harm the state of your oral health automatically, pregnancy does introduce new hormones into the body that can discourage dental health.
Both gum disease and tooth decay become more of a risk to pregnant women, a result of hormones changing the body’s reaction to germs building up on teeth, also known as plaque. If left unattended more severe gum diseases can develop, which has been linked to a higher risk of both premature birth and low birth weight.
How does pregnancy affect your oral health?
There are multiple side effects of pregnancy that directly contribute to poor oral health, to maintain maximum health for mums and bubs it’s important to look out for what symptoms are having a negative impact.
The following are pregnancy symptoms that can cause problems in your teeth and gums:
Cravings
Whilst cravings can be funny and unusual, they can also lead to an expanded diet of sugary foods. Increasing consumption of sugary snacks can increase your risk of tooth decay.
Vomiting
Pregnancy can produce some nasty side effects; morning sickness and vomiting are some of them! Strong stomach acid is the enemy here. It comes up in gastric reflux (vomiting) and coats the teeth, damaging tooth enamel and causing tooth decay.
Retching
In some cases, in a pregnancy brushing your teeth can cause retching and as a result, many pregnant women tend to stop brushing, this puts you at risk of tooth decay.
Increased Hormones
Pregnant women are more susceptible to gum disease due to pregnancy hormones, diseases such as gingivitis can arise and it’s important to look out for signs and symptoms.
Signs of gum disease and tooth decay include:
- Sensitive teeth or gums
- Tooth ache
- Bad breath
- Cavities
- White spots on teeth near gums
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Loose or missing teeth
How can you support good oral health during pregnancy?
- Avoid high intake of sugary cravings, choose low-sugar snacks or fruit as a healthier alternative to sweets.
- Choose water! Drink lots of H2O to continually rinse mouth, gums and to keep a hydrated mouth.
- Use a smaller and softer toothbrush, this will minimise retching and encourage consistent brushing.
- Rinse your mouth with fluoride wash after vomiting instead of brushing, brushing straight after can speed up tooth erosion.
- Increase your calcium intake, to support healthy teeth and bones.
- Go for regular dental check-ups!
By following our preventative tips, mums and bubs can stay safe and healthy! Healthy teeth and gums during pregnancy, means your baby is more likely to have good oral health too.
Be sure to tell your local dentist if you are pregnant and remember dental treatment is safe during a pregnancy.
References:
www.health.qld.gov.au/oralhealth/healthy_smile/pregnancy
www.ada.org.au/Dental-Health-Week-2016/Women-and-Oral-Health/Pregnancy
www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/prevention/Pages/resources-pre-natal.aspx
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/pregnancy-and-teeth
www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/prevention/Publications/keep-smiling-pregnant.PDF