Dental Problems During Pregnancy

Dental issues during pregnancy are not uncommon, which makes caring for your teeth and gums during pregnancy, extremely crucial!

Increased hormones during pregnancy can affect your body’s response to germs on your teeth (plaque) and may cause gum diseases, which in turn may affect the health of your developing baby.

Here is more…

Pre-conception Dental Health:

It is important to maintain good dental hygiene before you get pregnant. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing your teeth and regular dental check ups will result in good oral hygiene.

Before conceiving, get your teeth checked. If any elective dental procedures need to be done, they should be done before you conceive.

Causes of Dental Problems:

Some of the common causes that lead to dental problems are:

Gum problems

Inflammation of the gum (gingivitis) is most likely to appear in the second trimester. Symptoms include swelling and bleeding of the gums, especially during brushing and flossing between teeth. Gum problems may worsen due to the hormone levels.

Suggestions: Switch to a softer toothbrush, brush your teeth regularly, use a fluoride toothpaste, go for a dental check-up during and immediately after your baby is born.

Vomiting

Morning sickness can coat your teeth with strong stomach acids. Continuous vomiting can damage tooth enamel and increase the risk of decay.

Suggestion: Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after vomiting. Simply rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water. Gargle with a fluoride mouth wash or clean your teeth with some fluoride toothpaste with your finger (not with a toothbrush – as it can damage the tooth enamel). You can brush your teeth after an hour.

Cravings especially for Sugar foods

Cravings for sugary foods increases the risk of tooth decay.

Suggestions: Try to snack on low sugar foods. Try choosing healthier options like fruits. Rinse your mouth thoroughly after having sugary snacks or brush your teeth.

Retching while brushing teeth

Some pregnant women feel like throwing up while brushing their teeth.

Suggestion: Brush your teeth slowly, switch to another brand of toothpaste, use a brush with a smaller head, brush your teeth while listening to music to keep you distracted.

Remember

• Stack up on Calcium and Vitamin D

Sufficient calcium will protect your bone mass and meet the nutritional requirements of your growing baby. Vitamin D helps in absorption of calcium by the body. Increase your daily amount of calcium and vitamin D during pregnancy by consuming milk, cheese, curds, paneer, eggs, fatty fish. Also have a calcium and vitamin D supplement as recommended by your doctor.

• You are likely to have less dental problems during pregnancy if you have good oral hygiene.

• Go for a dental check-up before you conceive as well as during your second trimester.

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