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How To Protect Your Teeth During Pregnancy
Posted on January 10th, 2025
Why Proper Dental Care Is Important During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, prenatal care is essential to protecting the well-being of both mother and child. Dental care is a big part of this. However, not everyone knows just how crucial good oral health is when it comes to pregnancy health.
Untreated issues like gum disease and tooth decay during pregnancy can cause many issues for the mom and baby. This is because oral health has a large impact on our general health, and anything that affects the mother’s body will in turn affect her unborn child. In fact, cavity-causing bacteria in the mother can impact a child’s dental health even after birth.
Cavities and Pregnancy: The Risks to Children
One of the most significant ways oral health affects pregnancy is when mothers have several untreated cavities or severe tooth loss. In these cases, their children are over 3 times more likely to have cavities when they’re young. It’s also important to note that kids with poor oral health are almost 3 times more likely to miss school due to dental issues.
Additionally, if a mother has untreated cavities, the bacteria that cause tooth decay can be more easily transmitted to her newborn. This can happen during breastfeeding or everyday care.
Pregnancy and Gum Disease: The Risks to Mothers and Infants
According to the CDC, about 60%-75% of pregnant women have early-stage periodontal disease, also called gingivitis. This condition can be aggravated by changing hormones during pregnancy. If left untreated, gingivitis (gum disease) can lead to tooth loss, pain, infections, and other dental problems.
Periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease, has been linked to preterm births and low birth weight.
Examples of Dental Issues During Pregnancy
As we already know, during pregnancy, dental issues can arise due to various changes in the mother’s life and body.
For example, morning sickness can erode tooth enamel due to stomach acid frequently coming into contact with teeth. Sometimes, a change in diet or pregnancy itself can impact digestion, as well, leading to acid reflux. This can also cause stomach acid to enter the mouth. As a result, there is a link between pregnancy and cavities.
Hormonal changes can also increase the risk of developing gum disease. For women with gestational diabetes, studies suggest that these mothers can have a higher prevalence of gum disease and gum disease is also a risk factor for developing gestational diabetes.
Proper Prenatal Dental Care
Good oral hygiene and dental check-ups help protect teeth and gums during and after pregnancy. Pregnant women should receive professional cleanings and exams to locate any existing dental problems as soon as possible. Things like heightened tooth sensitivity, bleeding, swollen, or receding gums, dental pain, and other conditions can point to more serious issues.
It’s crucial for expecting mothers to keep up with their at-home dental care routines between check-ups. This means brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. You should also avoid consuming too many sugary and acidic foods and others that are harmful to teeth.
Some people wonder if they can use mouthwash during pregnancy. Fortunately, the answer is yes! Mouthwash is safe during pregnancy, however, you should only use products that are approved by your dentist and doctor.
Visit Our Dentist for Oral Health Care During Pregnancy
The link between dental health issues and pregnancy is significant, which means quality dental care is a necessary part of prenatal care. Prenatal care should include regular check-ups as well as swift dental treatment of any existing conditions, such as cavities or tooth loss.
If you’re searching for reliable care from an experienced dentist during your pregnancy, contact Windy City Family Dental. Our team is always here to offer advice, thorough examinations, and advanced treatment to protect your oral health.
