Oral Health and hygiene during Pregnancy for Healthy Mother & Baby

A mother’s negligence towards oral health before or during pregnancy can lead to Low Birth weight, Miscarriage, premature delivery and Infant mortality! So, better take your teeth and other aspects of oral hygiene very seriously.

Oral Healthcare during planning of pregnancy

Your responsibility towards your health doubles when you plan to bring a life to this Earth! But sadly, when it comes to oral hygiene, the pregnant women in India still remain negligent. This is mostly due to lack of awareness and availability of timely information. It is important to educate ourselves about the importance of oral health during pregnancy and its effects on the mother and child health later on.

Dentists suggest a beforehand check-up of your oral health when you plan to get pregnant. Your dentist will check all the dental and oral tissue to confirm you don’t suffer from any periodontal (Pyorrhoea or gum) diseases. If there is any symptom, the treatment can be started immediately as a part of health care procedures for prospective mothers.

Symptoms of Dental health problems during pregnancy

It is not normal to lose a teeth during pregnancy until you had a dental problem earlier. During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergo several hormonal changes making her more vulnerable to gum diseases which subsequently affects the unborn baby’s health. 

It is vital to notice the signs and symptoms that indicate some oral health issues during pregnancy. These are-

•  Loose teeth
• Bad breath
• Toothache
• Sore or swollen gums
• A bleeding gum when brushed
• A reddish painful gum
• Mouth sores
• Lumps or any other growths
• Retching when brushing

Dental problems that can occur during pregnancy

The most common health issues during pregnancy are-

Pregnancy Gingivitis

During pregnancy, the hormonal changes lead to a dental condition when you might experience red puffy, tender and swollen gums. Bleeding is possible in severe cases.  This is common in the 2^nd and 8^th month of gestation.

Pregnancy Tumors

The hormones need to be blamed again for these large lumps usually closer to the upper gum line between the teeth. The inflamed gum tissue will have red pinpoint markings and may bleed. This causes discomfort in eating and even in speaking sometimes. These usually occur during the second trimester. In case of extreme discomfort, the dentists can remove them. However, they normally disappear after delivery.

Morning Sickness keeping away from toothbrush

During pregnancy, morning sickness is very common. Many women feel sick while brushing during this time. As per the American Congress of Obestricians and Gynaecologists, in such cases, the strong acid formed in the stomach causes dental erosion increasing tooth decay risk and softens the tooth enamel.

Myths related to pregnancy and dental care

The myths around dental treatment during pregnancy keep many women away from their dentist. Most of the women are afraid of taking dental appointments when they are expecting. But the fact is that most of the emergency dental treatment can be performed with the approval from your consulting Obstetrician. Even the dental X-rays have become safer with the advent of new technologies. The safest period for such treatment is second trimester. Your dentist will use shields like Thyroid collar and Lead Apron with extreme caution during dental X-rays to protect you and your baby.

Preventive Measures for Dental Health during pregnancy

• Inform your dentist about your pregnancy so that your treatment is modified after consulting with your obstetrician if there is any special instruction for you. 
  

• Like any other day, brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and soft bristle toothbrush followed by flossing and rinsing with mouthwash.

• Don’t miss regular dental and gum check-ups.

• Report about any change in dental or oral condition to your dentist.

• Practice healthy and hygiene oral habits and prevent formation of plaques, tartar and gingivitis.

• In case, you suffer from Morning sickness, then rinse your mouth with water and mouthwash and then try brushing with a bland toothpaste or just a wet toothbrush. This can prevent damage of teeth caused by the stomach acids.

Eat Healthy for good oral health

• Stay away from sugary snacks to avoid tooth decay and have fruits and vegetables.

• Opt for balanced diet rich in Vitamin A, C and D under the guidance of your obstetrician.

• Between three to six months of pregnancy, the baby teeth starts developing.

• So, consume healthy dairy products like cheese and yogurt containing essential minerals that help in developing your baby’s teeth, bones and gums.

• Drink lots of water with fluoride to maintain your strong teeth.

Diagnosis and treatment

If you’re planning to get pregnant or already pregnant, inform the dentist about the medicines you’re taking. Depending on the requirement and your health condition, your Dentist may delay the treatment procedure. Your dentist may take a dental X-Ray to show the problems like cavities and plaques under gums or loss of bone in the mouth. In such cases, you must inform your healthcare provider about your pregnancy so that proper protection is given for your developing baby.

Dental procedures to avoid during pregnancy

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the dental procedures like crowns and cavity fillings are safe to be done during pregnancy. However, you can avoid the Cosmetic procedures like whitening until the delivery. The procedures that require Anesthesia should be postponed until the second trimester as it may cause miscarriage in the first trimester.

Some antibiotics like tetracycline should be evaded and care should be taken while using analgesics.

A little careful oral care can have a healthy and happily smiling baby and mother which is a priceless asset for the whole family!