Why Oral Health is Important for Expectant Mothers

If you’re expecting, congratulations! Pregnancy is both fun and strenuous. The excitement of bringing a new life into the world pairs perfectly with busy planning.

During pregnancy, your body will experience an increase in hormone levels. Though many people don’t think about the effect hormones have on oral health, your hormones can cause bacterial and plaque buildup.

There is a definite relation between oral health in mothers and oral or systemic health for their children. Since the child relies on its mother for food and health, a link exists from a mother’s oral health to her child’s.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Gum disease is the most common oral health issue among pregnant women, and this is primarily due to the hormones associated with pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum tissue that commonly occurs – or worsens if the patient already has some form of gingivitis prior to pregnancy – during the second trimester.

Often during the first trimester, our patients experience pregnancy gingivitis. This includes swollen, tender, and bleeding gums. Unfortunately, inflammation is also a common symptom of gum disease. If you have serious gum disease, your baby could be born prematurely or have a low birth weight.

The build-up of plaque also causes gingivitis in most of our patients. With increased hormones during pregnancy, your body becomes less effective when fighting off plaque. If you have gingivitis prior to pregnancy, we can help you get rid of any inflammation. Regular cleanings with Dr. Safarian will also prevent gum disease.

These symptoms are only a problem for some of our patients who are expecting. If your teeth are healthy and your gums don’t change, you don’t need to worry! Simply continue to schedule regular cleanings and brushing your teeth so you don’t encounter any problems. 

While some women experience spontaneous resolution of pregnancy gingivitis, most cases result in a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis.

If left untreated, periodontitis may lead to tooth loss. It is, therefore, important to have your gums examined by a dentist as soon as possible after giving birth.

Pregnancy Epulis

Pregnancy epulis, otherwise known as pregnancy tumor or pyogenic granuloma, pertains to the localized enlargement of the gum tissue.

It can also appear on the palate and tongue. And this caused by increased levels of progesterone, along with a plaque and other local irritants in the mouth.

Really it usually occurs during the second or third trimester, sometimes during the last month of pregnancy. But in the last, it appears red, swollen, and tends to bleed profusely even upon slight manipulation, though it is generally painless.

Some women who have pregnancy epulis choose to have the tumor excised for cosmetic purposes or when it interferes with function.

But even without treatment, the tumor usually disappears after childbirth. A professional cleaning may aid in the faster resolution of this condition.

Tooth Decay in Pregnant Women

Tooth decay is also quite common, especially since pregnant women tend to have cravings for sweet treats yet limited attention to their oral hygiene.

In addition, hormonal changes during pregnancy as well as vomiting due to morning sickness can also increase their risk for this dental problem.

Such risk can be lowered, again, by practicing good oral hygiene.

Tooth Sensitivity During Pregnancy

Frequent vomiting, in addition to tooth decay, may first and foremost lead to the erosion of the tooth enamel.

Enamel dissolution exposes the dentin underneath, resulting in tooth sensitivity.

This sensitivity is characterized by sharp pain and is triggered by cold, hot, sweet, and sour. Management is more medical than dental and involves the prescription of antacids, anti-emetics, or a combination of both.

In addition, your dentist will also recommend using soft-bristled toothbrushes and instruct you to avoid brushing your teeth right after vomiting to avoid further damage.

They might also ask you to use fluoride mouth rinse for further protection.

Mobile Teeth

Pregnant women can also experience loosening of their teeth due to advanced gum disease.

It can also be due to increased levels of estrogen and progesterone directly affecting the supporting structures of the teeth.

Other Dental Complications During Pregnancy

Women who experience regular morning sickness have extra acid introduced to their teeth. Because of this, the probability of tooth decay is much higher. To help repair tooth enamel, women can rinse with water and baking soda before brushing.

When you are pregnant, you should always tell your dentist and the dental staff. If we know about your pregnancy, we can better understand your current health. Then, we can make adjustments to your treatment plan when necessary. For example, we can reduce anesthetic use and move x-rays until after birth.