Since pregnant women experience hormone changes that can affect their smile, getting a checkup from your dentist if you plan on becoming pregnant or if you are pregnant can help you enjoy pregnancy even more and have a beautiful smile during this time too!

The following are just a few reasons why you shouldn’t neglect to schedule your prenatal  care checkup with your dentist.

Prevent Bacteria from Being Transferred to Your Child

According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, If your smile contains bacteria that cause tooth decay, you could pass these bacteria on to your child through kissing, sharing utensils, and otherwise transferring saliva once your baby is born [1].

By getting a checkup with your dentist, you can help ensure that your smile is free of tooth decay so that you won’t have to worry about passing on bacteria once your beautiful baby is here!

It’s Safe to Receive Treatment During Pregnancy

Even if you haven’t visited the dentist before your pregnancy, it’s a good time to make an
appointment while you’re pregnant. It’s safe to get treatment for gum disease, take x-rays, and even receive local anesthesia while you’re carrying your baby [2].

There’s no reason to put off treatment for tooth decay or gum disease during your pregnancy, so don’t wait to talk to your dentist about your oral health.

Help Prevent Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight

Gum disease in pregnant mothers has been linked to premature birth and babies with a low birth weight. Research suggest that bacteria that causes gum inflammation can enter the bloodstream and affect your developing baby, leading to premature labor and a lower than normal birth weight [3].

Getting gum disease under control prior to or during your pregnancy can help you carry your baby to term and deliver a healthy baby. With nearly half of all American adults having gum disease, preventive measures are important for those who plan to conceive!

Prevent and Address Oral Health Issues During Pregnancy

Bacteria aren’t the only things that can cause gum problems and other oral health issues during pregnancy. Pregnant women experience a fluctuation of hormones as their pregnancy progresses that can make gum tissue swell and become more tender and sensitive [4].

These symptoms usually peak in the second trimester and in most cases, diminish after your baby is born. However, given the fact that we know the risk gum disease poses for unborn babies, seeking advice from your professional dentist during this time is important to ensure you take care of your smile for your baby.

With all the things going on during your pregnancy, it’s understandable that you’d neglect to visit your dentist for your checkup. However, getting a prenatal care checkup from your oral health provider is just as important as keeping up with your other appointments. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, this is a great time to schedule an appointment with your dentist!

Sources:
1. https://www.acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-and-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Health-Care-for-Underserved-Women/Oral-Health-Care-During-Pregnancy-and-Through-the-Lifespan
2. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=134&contentid=84
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217279/
4. http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/swollen-gums-during-pregnancy/

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Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease and can be brought on by an influx of hormones in pregnant women. Gingivitis causes gum swelling, which can mean your gums may feel tender and can even bleed during brushing. You should never let gum disease go untreated while pregnant, as research links gum disease with premature babies and low birth weight.

It’s safe to get cleanings and treatment for gum disease during your pregnancy. Your dentist may suggest that you come in for checkups and cleanings more often while you’re pregnant. You can protect both you and your child by looking for the signs of gum disease and getting checkups with your dentist!

Enamel Damage

More than half of all pregnant women will experience morning sickness at some point during their pregnancy. Vomiting causes harsh stomach acids to enter the mouth, therefore attacking tooth enamel and leading to an increased risk for cavities. Not exactly what you want to be worried about when you’re not feeling well!

Keeping up with your dental routine can help prevent enamel damage and protect your teeth from cavities. Never brush your teeth immediately after vomiting, however. It’s best to rinse your mouth with water and to wait approximately 30 minutes. This is because the acid can weaken the enamel, making it easier to remove during brushing.

Your dentist can examine your teeth for any damage from morning sickness and suggest the appropriate treatment to keep both you and your baby healthy.

Cravings for Sweets

Your cravings may vary during pregnancy; however, some women find themselves craving more sweets. Craving different types of food is normal, but don’t let your craving for sweets disrupt your oral health. Sugar can attack your tooth enamel and heighten your risk for cavities and even gum disease.

You can protect your smile by rinsing with water after eating any kind of sugar and being sure to keep up with your brushing and flossing. Do your best to eat a balanced diet during your pregnancy, and if you’re craving sweets, see if some fresh fruit will do the trick. It’s full of fiber, nutrients, and water, perfect for your teeth and gums!

Pregnancy can be an exciting yet challenging time, especially when it comes to your oral health. When you go for a checkup with your dentist, be sure to inform them of your pregnancy. Talk about what you can do to keep your smile healthy. Remember, your dentist may recommend that you come in more often to monitor any oral cavity changes to help you remain as a healthy as possible!

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Due to hormone changes in body, pregnant women experience a variety of oral health concerns. These usually become evident in the second month of pregnancy and continue until delivery. What changes does your mouth experience during your pregnancy?

Increased Risk for Gingivitis

Two hormones have been noted to be responsible for the oral health changes you experience during pregnancy—these are estrogen and progesterone. The increased levels of these hormones can lead to an increased risk for gingivitis. This is because these hormones cause your body to react more aggressively to the plaque that exists in your mouth, creating inflammation and symptoms of gum disease.

Getting checkups during your pregnancy is essential. Research shows that pregnant women who have gingivitis are more likely to give birth to premature babies as well as babies with a low birth weight. Although a dental checkup feels like the last thing on your list, it’s essential to keep your teeth healthy during pregnancy!

Enamel Damage

Many women experience some nausea during pregnancy, although only half experience vomiting. Changes in your oral bacteria in addition to morning sickness can cause increased acidity in your mouth, which can damage your tooth enamel. Your mouth is exposed to gastric acid if you experience morning sickness, which can cause enamel erosion.

If you do experience morning sickness during your pregnancy, rinsing with water afterwards can help. Water with a bit of baking soda is even better, as this can help to neutralize the acid. However, never brush after vomiting! The acid can cause your enamel to weaken, making it easy to brush away. Wait a minimum of 30 minutes before brushing if you vomit.

More Prone to Cavities

As a result of enamel damage, increased acidity in the mouth, and pregnancy cravings, pregnant women can be more prone to cavities. This is also true because of the lack of attention women give to their teeth during pregnancy. Your body nourishes your baby, so taking the best care of yourself is essential! Your dentist can help you determine if you have any cavities or if you’re enamel is getting damaged.

Benign Oral Tumors

Up to 5% of pregnant women experience benign oral tumors during pregnancy. These tumors or lesions can be up to 2cm in width and are usually on the outside of the gums. These lesions are a result of the hormonal imbalances that women experience during pregnancy. Although relatively harmless, you may need treatment for these benign tumors if they are painful or bleeding. Otherwise, they tend to go away after you have your baby.

It’s best if you can visit the dentist to address any oral health problems before conceiving, as pregnancy can often make existing oral health conditions worse! Aim to visit your dentist at least once during your pregnancy, particularly after the second month, as this is usually when most women notice problems. And as always, visit your dentist if you’re experiencing any pain or notice any changes in your oral health!

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