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PREGNANCY AND DENTAL HEALTH

For expectant mothers many changes are happening from the moment of conception. Not only are there physical changes within the growing baby, but there are physiological and emotional changes within the mother as well. Sensitivity to these changes and awareness of health issues, including oral health, will greatly assist the expectant mother during pregnancy and after the birth of her baby. Indeed, the dental care of women during pregnancy can impact them for the rest of their lives.

Decay and gum disease processes continue throughout life, including the times of pregnancy. In other words, bacterial plaque and sugar still cause cavities and the bacterial plaque does, indeed, cause gums to become inflamed and infected. The problem that pregnancy presents is that there be periods of nausea which makes oral hygiene (flossing and brushing) less comfortable. Due to notorious cravings, sugar intake is commonly elevated, resulting in more decay activity. Hormonal changes make gum tissue more sensitive and more vulnerable to inflammation, swelling and bleeding. Indeed, many systems are at work, of which the expectant mother must be aware, in order to maintain optimum health. Loosing ground on dental health with each pregnancy can take a significant toll.

There are problems which occur but are generally misunderstood. These include loss of teeth, increased decay activity, and bleeding gum tissue. It is important to recognize and understand the cause and prevention of these related problems. They include:
1. "Every time I have a baby, I loose a tooth"

This is usually a result of increased sugar intake (sweet food or drink) combined with less-effective oral hygiene. Cavities grow in relation to the presence of bacterial plaque and the quantities and opportunities of sugar contact.

2. "The baby takes calcium from my teeth"

An adult's teeth are totally calcified and formed by age 15 years (except for the roots of the wisdom teeth). Calcium is not absorbed from the teeth. Calcification of the teeth does not change except for the decay process. The cause of increased decay activity is in direct relation to decrease in oral hygiene and increased intake of sugar in foods and liquids.

3. "My gums bleed very easily"

Indeed, this may occur even if oral hygiene is the same as before pregnancy. Hormonal changes do result in more fragile gum tissue. These are then more vulnerable to bacteria, resulting in swollen gums, red inflamed tissue and bleeding in some areas; especially under the gums and between the teeth.

4. "I can not have any dental work during my pregnancy"
a. Emergency dental care can and should be provided as necessary. Pain and infection usually will not go away without care and can become unbearable and threaten the health of the mother. The dentist will normally consult with your physician prior to any dental work.

b. Necessary care, such as moderate to deep decay, should be treated to avoid more severe problems which might occur prior to delivery. This should be scheduled during the second trimester.

c. Treatment of small cavities can be deferred until after birth, providing that preventive hygiene and a healthy diet are followed.

d. Regular cleanings are strongly encouraged to minimize the inflammation and infection of more susceptible gum tissues.

e. X-rays will normally be deferred until after delivery unless an emergency

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