Oral Health and Pregnancy

Oral Health and Pregnancy

 Pregnancy is one of the most exciting times in a woman's life. To prepare for this adventure of motherhood, the body undergoes several changes particularly due to hormones. One of these changes in hormones result in an inflammatory response to the bacteria in the mouth. The gums in a pregnant woman can become red and swollen and bleed easily. 

Gum problems associated with pregnancy is known as pregnancy gingivitis. It could start as early as the second month of pregnancy and could become severe by the eighth month.

Why is this Important

 There is evidence suggesting that oral health, particularly gum disease, may have an impact on the occurrence of preterm births, resulting in low birth weight babies. Pregnant women with (gum) disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that’s born too early and too small.The exact connection between poor oral health and preterm birth is unknown. It is thought that gum disease may lead to premature birth by the bacteria in the mouth spreading to the placenta or amniotic fluid, and also that systemic inflammation caused by gum disease may lead to preterm labor and membrane rupture. The likely problem is a chemical found in oral bacteria called prostaglandin, which can induce labor and which occurs in very high levels in severe cases of gum disease.

About half of women experience pregnancy gingivitis, beginning in the second or third month of pregnancy that increases in severity throughout the eighth month. This condition can be uncomfortable and cause swelling, bleeding, redness or tenderness in the gum tissue. In some cases, gums swollen by pregnancy gingivitis can react strongly to irritants and form large growths, called “pregnancy tumors”, which are not cancerous and are generally painless. If a tumor persists, it may require removal by a dentist.

It is very important for pregnant women to maintain their oral health.

What Should a Pregnant Woman do

Follow these steps to prevent gum and teeth problems during pregnancy:

1. Brush and floss your teeth every day.
2. Get your teeth cleaned by a dentist or dental hygienist while you are pregnant.
3. Call your dental hygienist or dentist if your gums bleed or are
swollen.
4. Eat healthy foods like milk, yogurt, carrots, cheese, broccoli and oranges. These foods have vitamins to help your teeth and gums be healthy
5. Limit sweet drinks and avoid refined sugars
6.Drink Fluoridated water

 Myth vs. Fact
There are many myths about dental health and pregnancy.

It is important that during pregnancy moms visit their dentist regularly and take especially good care of their teeth and gums.

• Is it safe for pregnant women to go to the dentist?It is not only safe for pregnant women to visit their dentist it is an integral part of ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy can affect the gum tissue, making it red, inflamed and sore, a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. This can be made even worse by plaque and bacteria that has accumulated along the gumline and between the teeth. Generally preventive treatments like dental cleanings are recommended after the first trimester of pregnancy and will help to keep gums healthy.

• What if I have a dental emergency and need x-rays?It is always best to check with your medical provider for his/her recommendations and guidelines regarding additional dental procedures. However untreated dental decay or infection can pose a risk to you and your baby. Radiation from taking x-rays is very low and dental health professionals are trained to take every precaution to minimize any risk. Dental radiographs are not contraindicated if one is trying to become pregnant or is breast feeding.

• If I have morning sickness or lots of indigestion during pregnancy can it affect my teeth?
  Yes, excessive vomiting due to morning sickness and the acids related to indigestion can harm your teeth. Acids from the stomach can remove minerals from tooth enamel and cause decay. Your dental health professional may give you a prescription strength topical fluoride or recommend an over the counter fluoride rinse to use during pregnancy. Topical fluorides have been proven effective in reducing decay. 

• Is it true that an unhealthy mouth can impact the health of my baby?There is some evidence suggesting oral health, particularly gum disease, may have an impact on the occurrence of preterm births, resulting in low birth weight babies. The exact connection between poor oral health and preterm birth is unknown.

• If I crave sweets during my pregnancy what can I do to keep my teeth healthy? Eating sweets and snacking more often between meals can cause dental decay. It is important to limit sweets to mealtime and choose healthy snacks between meals. Brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once daily and visiting your dental health professional regularly will ensure healthy teeth and gums before, during and after pregnancy.

References
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Oral Health. Links Between Oral and General Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office of the Surgeon General. October 4, 2004. http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/publications/factsheets/sgr2000_fs4.htm
2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2000.
3 Wisconsin  Department of Health