By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS
Being a mom-in-the-making means all sorts of sacrifice. During this time, you can get so focused on making everything perfect for the little one you're expecting that you can neglect her own health. But, if you're pregnant, caring for yourself is also caring for your unborn child. That's especially true when it comes to oral health.
Visiting your dentist will allow them to check your current oral health. They can also work with you to map out a dental plan for the remainder of your pregnancy. When you take care of your teeth and gums, it can potentially make a difference for your baby, both before and after birth.
How pregnancy affects tooth & gum health
It's common for tooth and gum health to decline during pregnancy. Here are a few reasons why this can happen:
Everyone's tired at the end of the day. But add in a pregnancy, and that leads to a whole new level of exhaustion. As a result, routine nighttime brushing and flossing can get skipped—in addition to regular dental visits. This can lead to plaque and bacteria build-up and eventually tooth decay.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause pregnancy gingivitis— irritated gums that bleed because of being inflamed. And yes, in case you were wondering, it's as unpleasant as it sounds. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis—a more serious form of gum disease that includes bone loss. Research also suggests a link between preterm delivery, low birthweight babies and gingivitis.
Morning sickness can do a number on the mouth. Stomach acid makes its way into the mouth and can weaken tooth enamel—putting expectant parents at a greater risk for cavities.
Eating more often during pregnancy is common. But frequent snacking and grazing puts teeth in constant contact with acid in food. This also leads to increased production of acid-loving bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, which produce more acid to weaken enamel.
Prenatal vitamins that contains folic acid are needed to help support developing babies' health during pregnancy. But chewy or gummy vitamins, especially if taken after brushing teeth or before bed, can damage teeth. That's because they stick on the teeth, and most contain sugar. Capsules and tablets are a better choice.
Your health during pregnancy can be traced to baby's health.
A pregnant person's oral health is connected to the health of their unborn baby. This can all be traced to the bacteria in their mouth.
During pregnancy, excessive bacteria growth in your mouth can enter the bloodstream through your gums and travel to the uterus. This triggers the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which are suspected to induce premature labor.
After giving birth, you can potentially pass your bacteria on to your newborn (called vertical transmission). So, if you have lots of acid-loving bacteria in your mouth, you will pass higher numbers of those bacteria to your newborn.
Brushing teeth can reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.
Expectant parents who brush their teeth thoroughly can reduce the risk of dangerous complications in pregnancy. This, in turn, reduces the risk of future dental infection in the newborn baby. Brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and after each meal when possible. You also should floss each day.
Good nutrition keeps your mouth healthy and strong; sensible, balanced meals containing calcium and limited excess acidity and sugar are best for you and your baby's oral health. More frequent cleanings from the dentist also will help control plaque and prevent gingivitis.
Remember
An expectant parent whose oral health isn't great is more likely to pass aggressive and damaging bacteria to their newborn. That can cause trouble down the road (think about a 2-year-old having to get a cavity filled).
So, keep your oral health a priority while you're pregnant. Eating healthy meals and try to avoid sugary, sticky foods. And make sure to visit your dental provider for regular check-ups.
Don't forget: when you brush your teeth during pregnancy, you're brushing for two!
More information
About Dr. Shahangian:
J. Shahangian, DDS, MS, is a board certified pediatric dentist, and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Oral Health. He practices in his hometown of San Diego at Scripps Pediatric Dentistry and is an associate professor in pediatric dentistry at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Shahanigan is also on staff at Rady Children's Hospital and is a proud father of three girls. Follow him on Twitter @SugarBugMeNot.