With pregnancy comes many joys…and sometimes challenges as well. One of the possible challenges of pregnancy can be dental problems that can develop. Anita M. Mark, in her article published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, explains that pregnant women can be susceptible to gum disease, cavities, and enamel erosion. Below is a summary of Mark’s article that also includes steps pregnant women can take to address these issues.
Gum Disease:
Mark explains that the hormones released during pregnancy can affect your gums, possibly leading to gingivitis, overgrowths, and periodontal disease.
Gingivitis:
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that causes your gums to become sensitive and swell. A possible sign of gingivitis is gums that bleed when you brush or floss. That is why it is so important to maintain good oral hygiene during pregnancy, says Mark.
Overgrowths:
During pregnancy, sometimes overgrowths can occur in the form of a lump or overgrowth in the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the tongue or cheeks. While they may be called pregnancy tumors, they are not cancerous, and in most cases, they disappear after pregnancy.
Periodontitis:
Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease that results when bacteria and food particles accumulate below the gumline, attacking the tissue and bone that secure teeth. Possible symptoms are bleeding or a feeling that your teeth are loose, though you may experience no symptoms at all. To treat periodontitis, your dentist can provide a deep cleaning under the gum line.
Cavities:
Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing cavities, and this is likely due to changes in diet. Cavities begin with plaque that builds up on your teeth, and this plaque produces acid that can eat away at your tooth enamel, ultimately leading to cavities. Again, that is why pregnant women particularly need to maintain good, daily oral hygiene.
Erosion:
Erosion is the loss of enamel, or the hard outer layer of your teeth. This occurs from stomach acids or acidic foods that dissolve tooth enamel. Pregnant women who have acid reflux or who vomit are especially at risk for erosion during pregnancy. Mark recommends limiting snacks and drinking water rather than acidic drinks, like juices and sodas, to prevent pregnancy erosion. She also advises to not brush teeth right after vomiting since the enamel may be soft and brushing could damage it at this time. Instead, she recommends to rinse your mouth with water or a baking soda rinse made of one teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of water.
Good At-Home Care:
The good news is, many of the above possible dental issues during pregnancy can be prevented by good at-home care of your teeth. Mark suggests the following home care for pregnant women:
- Brush teeth twice a day for two minutes, using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth once a day, using floss, tiny brushes, or floss holders.
- Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist if you need help choosing a product or learning how to use it properly.
There is much you can do to help prevent the above potential dental issues during pregnancy, though sometimes additional measures must be taken. Fortunately, numbing medications and dental treatments are safe throughout pregnancy. And we at Boulevard Dental are here for you no matter what needs may arise. We want you to fully focus on you and your precious little one to come!
Reference:
Mark, A.M. Keeping a Healthy Smile During Pregnancy. The Journal of the American Dental Association. Sept. 2024; 155 (9): 808.