Pregnancy is a time to take extra care of your overall health, including your oral hygiene. Just like the rest of your body, your mouth and teeth also undergo many changes during pregnancy. Although these issues may not always cause problems, paying special attention to oral hygiene during pregnancy is crucial to prevent any issues.
Oral health refers to your dental health, which includes the health of your mouth, teeth and gums. Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping all these parts of the mouth clean and free of germs. Brushing regularly (twice a day) and flossing can help remove all food particles and keep the mouth clean for good oral hygiene.
Good oral hygiene helps prevent dental issues, bad breath and protects the teeth from decay. Though dental issues do occur despite very good oral hygiene, the impact can be much less in most cases.
Good oral hygiene involves –
● Brushing
● Flossing
● Cleaning the tongue
● Healthy diet
● Drinking sufficient water
● Rinse your mouth after meals
● Regular dental check-ups
● Avoiding tobacco
During pregnancy, the chances of developing oral health issues are higher. If left unattended, some of them can even affect the pregnancy. The hormonal changes during pregnancy can also impact your teeth and gums. During pregnancy, the immune system is weakened to prevent it from attacking the developing baby.
The hormonal changes and decrease in immunity can increase the chances of oral health issues during pregnancy. Dental cleaning and fillings are harmless during pregnancy. However, serious dental issues will require procedures and medications, which are not safe during pregnancy. Failing to address dental issues will only worsen them, leading to other health issues in the mother and the developing baby.
Oral health issues during pregnancy are common. This does not mean all pregnant women will suffer from dental issues, but the chances are higher. Some common oral health issues pregnant women may face are –
● Pregnancy Gingivitis - Hormones like estrogen and progesterone increase during pregnancy. This hormonal increase can make the gums more sensitive and prone to swelling and inflammation – a condition known as gingivitis, which is very common in pregnancy.
● Increased Plaque and Bacteria - The rise in hormone secretion can also increase plaque formation on the teeth. When plaque is left to build up, it increases the risk of bacteria and other dental issues, including discolouration and bad breath.
● Pyogenic Granulomas - In rare cases, the excess estrogen can accumulate in one area and lead to the formation of pyogenic granulomas, a benign overgrowth of the gingival tissue.
● Cavities - The risk of developing cavities during pregnancy is high. Changes in hormones, food habits, and dental care practices, such as brushing and flossing, can lead to cavities during pregnancy. In some cases, if left unattended, cavity-causing bacteria can transfer to the baby and cause dental issues as they grow up.
● Loose Teeth - High levels of hormones can weaken the tissue and bones that keep the teeth in position. This temporary change can lead to loose teeth.
● Tooth Erosion - Morning sickness and vomiting can make the mouth environment more acidic. This, in turn, can weaken the teeth’s enamel, leading to erosion of the teeth.
● Bleeding Gums - Pregnancy can make the gums weak and sensitive. Coming in contact with hard or sharp foods, flossing, or even brushing can cause the gums to bleed. If left unattended, these bleeding gums can develop into more serious issues.
Oral hygiene is just one more area to pay extra attention to during pregnancy. If you are not sure about what you can or can’t do for better oral health during pregnancy, here are a few practical tips to help you maintain a healthy smile:
● Eat Healthy – Pregnancy cravings can be hard to resist. Apart from causing weight gain or digestive issues, some foods can damage your teeth as well. Opt for healthy foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy products.
● Wash Down Acidic Foods – Many fruits are acidic in nature. Even tomatoes and vinegar can increase acidity in the body. As they are healthy, you cannot avoid them during pregnancy, but you can always wash them down. Have a glass of water and also rinse your mouth after consuming acidic foods. This will prevent the acidity build-up in the mouth, which can damage teeth and gums.
● Limit Sugar – Sugary foods can be very tempting for some pregnant women. These foods can not only increase your risk of gestational diabetes but can also cause cavities. An increase in sugar intake, along with a surge in hormones, can cause teeth to grow faster.
● Brush Thoroughly – Ensure you brush well after consuming sticky or sugary foods. It is not the eating that will damage the teeth, but letting the food stick to the teeth's surface can speed up decay.
● Avoid Milk at Night – Milk is an important source of essential nutrients during pregnancy. Many cultures advise women to increase their milk intake, especially during late pregnancy and after birth, to increase their breastmilk supply. However, drinking milk at night before going to bed can cause more damage than good. Milk in the mouth throughout the night creates an acidic environment, which can damage the teeth.
● Dental Check-ups – Your dental check-up during pregnancy is important, just like the prenatal check-ups. If you are prone to dental issues, go for regular dental check-ups. The hormonal fluctuations and changes during pregnancy can lead to significant changes in a short span of time.
● Floss with Care – If you floss regularly, do it with care during pregnancy. Your gums can be sensitive and inflamed due to the hormones, and flossing can cause cuts if not done gently. Inflammation and cuts in the gums can trap bacteria and cause more issues.
Oral hygiene during pregnancy is not just about ensuring dental health. It also prevents small dental issues from becoming serious issues that can negatively impact the pregnancy, the mother-to-be or the developing baby. During pregnancy, it is advisable to be proactive and prevent health issues rather than treating them later.
Yes, poor dental health during pregnancy can accelerate cavities, cause inflammation or make you more prone to pregnancy gingivitis. Some dental issues, if not diagnosed and treated in time, can lead to more serious issues that can affect the pregnancy.
An increase in progesterone and estrogen hormones during pregnancy makes the gums more sensitive and prone to plaque formation. Pregnancy also increases blood flow to the tissues in the mouth. These, combined with other factors like morning sickness and a decrease in saliva secretion, can make the mouth environment more acidic and contribute to gum inflammation.
Dental X-rays are safe during pregnancy as the radiation levels are very minimal. However, it is necessary to inform your dentist about your pregnancy and take necessary precautions while taking the X-ray. Some dentists may prefer to use a lead apron or digital sensors to ensure the radiation levels are within a safe range and don’t reach the baby.
During pregnancy, the hormonal fluctuations and surge in certain hormones increase the risk of developing oral health issues. The expecting mother’s immunity is low, and many medications are not safe during pregnancy. As a result of these combinations, dental health issues may worsen quickly and may not be easily treatable during pregnancy. Effective oral hygiene during pregnancy can minimise such issues.
