Pregnancy may make women more prone to periodontal (gum) disease and cavities. Oral
health may be considered an important part of prenatal care, given that poor oral health
during pregnancy can lead to poor health outcomes for the mother and baby.
Nearly 60 to 75% of pregnant women have gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease
that occurs when the gums become red and swollen from inflammation that may be
aggravated by changing hormones during pregnancy. 1 If gingivitis is not treated, the bone that
supports the teeth can be lost, and the gums can become infected. Teeth with little bone
support can become loose and may eventually have to be extracted.
Contributors to Declining Tooth and Gum Health:
It's common for a future mom's tooth and gum health to decline during pregnancy. To help you
understand that, here are a few things that can cause problems:
Everyone’s tired at the end of the day, but add in a pregnancy, and that leads to a whole new
level of exhaustion. As a result, routine nighttime brushing and flossing can get skipped—in
addition to regular dental visits. This can lead to plaque and bacteria build-up and eventually
tooth decay.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can endanger the health of mom’s gums and can
cause pregnancy gingivitis— irritated gums that bleed because of being inflamed. And yes, in
case you were wondering, it’s as unpleasant as it sounds. Untreated gingivitis can lead
to periodontitis—a more serious form of gum disease that includes bone loss. Research also
suggests a link between preterm delivery, low birthweight babies, and gingivitis.
Morning sickness can do a number on the mouth. Stomach acid makes its way into the mouth
and can weaken tooth enamel—putting expectant moms at a greater risk for cavities.
Eating more often during pregnancy is common, but frequent snacking and grazing puts teeth
in constant contact with acid in food. This also leads to increased production of acid-loving
bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, which produce more acid to weaken enamel.
Pregnant moms need a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid to support their babies’ health
during pregnancy. When choosing a vitamin steer clear of chewy or gummy vitamins,
especially if you are eating them after brushing teeth or before bed. They stick on the teeth
and most contain sugar that can damage teeth.
How Mom's Oral Health Can Be Traced to Baby's
Health:
A mom's oral health is connected to the health of her unborn baby–and it can all be traced to the
bacteria in her mouth.
When a pregnant woman has excessive bacteria growth in her mouth, it can enter the
bloodstream through her gums and travel to the uterus—triggering the production of chemicals
called prostaglandins—that are suspected to induce premature labor.
After baby arrives, mom can potentially pass her bacteria on to her new-born (called vertical
transmission). So, a mom who has lots of acid-loving bacteria in her mouth will pass higher
numbers of those bacteria to her new-born.
Brushing Teeth Can Reduce the Risk of Pregnancy
Complications:
Expectant mothers who brush their teeth thoroughly can reduce the risk of suffering dangerous
complications in pregnancy and take a step towards reducing risk of future dental infection in their
newborn baby. Brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and after each meal when possible.
You also should floss each day.
Good nutrition keeps the oral cavity healthy and strong; sensible, balanced meals containing calcium
and limited excess acidity and sugar are best for you and your baby's oral health. More frequent
cleanings from the dentist also will help control plaque and prevent gingivitis.
Remember…
A mom whose oral health isn’t great is more likely to pass aggressive and damaging bacteria
to her new-born and that can cause trouble down the road (think about a 2-year-old having to
have a cavity filled).
So, while eating the right foods, avoiding the wrong ones (e.g., candy, cookies,
and other sticky foods) and making all sorts of sacrifices to make their baby perfect, moms need to
keep their oral health a top priority. And, make sure to visit your dental provider for regular check-ups.
It may not seem like it at the time, but when mom is brushing her teeth, she's brushing for two!
