So you're expecting, firstly congratulations! This is a very exciting and equally overwhelming time. As anyone who has been pregnant before knows, this 9-month journey can be a time where an overload of information gets thrown your way. You're probably all over it, what to eat, what not to eat, how to exercise, how to prepare for your new baby... But one thing you may not have thought about is your Oral Health?
That's why we're here! To simplify and highlight everything you need to know.
Firstly, lets squash some myths... NO, the baby does not suck the calcium out of your teeth, NO they do not directly cause your teeth to fall out. And NO unless you have some weird pregnancy cravings to down a whole tube of toothpaste, fluoride is not going to harm you.
However, there are direct links to how your teeth can be prone to decay, looseness or sensitivity. Let's talk about how!
We cannot count how many times people have told us their children 'ruined' their teeth.
Whilst related, this is a direct reflection of pregnancy related habits, not the pregnancy itself. Habits such as increased snacking and sugar consumption, lack of oral hygiene and decreased fluoride use are the correlation between poor oral health and pregnancy. Rather than the growing fetus 'sucking the calcium' out of your teeth.
We know that decay is a process of bacteria consuming sucrose (sugar), carbohydrates and it biproduct being acid that dissolves tooth structure. So, if you are eating more sugary food than before, this will increase your risk of decay.
Aversion to toothpaste or toothbrushing can be quite common. If this is the case, decrease in fluoride levels protecting your teeth will also leave you vulnerable. Try to rub some toothpaste on your teeth, even if you can't manage to brush.
In conclusion... if you are consuming high sucrose foods more regularly and decreasing your fluoride intake than prior to pregnancy, your risk of decay is going to increase.
Pregnancy Gingivitis is a thing!
If you are brushing less than normal, you can develop gingivitis. Decrease in toothbrushing can be due to aversions or simply because you are at that stage where you are like a turtle on your back and getting out of bed at night to brush your teeth sounds like torture. This coupled with pregnancy induced hormones can cause your gums to swell up more than usual. Don't forget you are physically making more blood (approximately 50% more!!) and this can lead to excessive bleeding gums. Make sure you keep on top of your dental hygiene visits, the more frequently you get your teeth cleaned, the less likely you are to develope pregnancy gingivitis.
Your teeth do not simply just fall out during pregnancy, however with ligament movement they can feel 'looser' then usual. If you have pre existing gum disease, pregnancy can make it worse. This is again due to the pregnancy hormones causing inflammation and your body not being able to respond as effectively.
Sensitivity can happen to anyone and is usually because of a loss of enamel. The most common reason for this is due to acid damage, known as erosion.
Erosion occurs because of acid coating the tooth and essentially dissolving the tooth structure. This can either be dietary related, eg. soft drink, lemon juices. OR acid reflux such as morning sickness.
One tip is that if you are experiencing this acid reflux, do NOT brush your teeth for about 20 minutes after an episode. Straight after the acid has hit your tooth the enamel will be weaker. Your toothbrush can actually do more damage by removing structure at this point. If you wait 20 minutes it gives your saliva a chance to come and repair some damage and harden the enamel up again. We recommend drinking water straight after to wash away any acid and promote good saliva flow.
So that's how pregnancy can affect your Oral Health. Now let's talk about how your Oral Health can affect your pregnancy and newborn baby.
If you have gingivitis or gum disease, there will be specific bacteria found within your mouth. The bacteria found is known to affect overall health factors like increased heart disease, stroke and low or premature birth rate.
When your gums bleed, that is a pathway for these bacteria to get into your blood stream. Once in your blood stream, the bacteria can affect growth development of an unborn fetus. Resulting in a lower birth weight.
Bacteria causes inflammation, then triggering the production of chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are responsible for inducing labor. An excess of prostaglandins circulating one's bloodstream could lead to premature labor.
We recommend talking to your Oral Health professional about your level of risk and how you can prevent bacteria forming and causing inflammation during pregnancy.
Your Oral Health really does affect more then you realise. While you can't stop the genetics that you pass on to your children, you can control the bacteria transmitted.
Keep on top of your Oral Health routine while pregnant and educate any caregivers who will be in contact with the new baby. Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, giving up smoking and seeing your dental professional at least twice a year will do you and unborn baby the world of good.
Good luck!
Teaching Teeth
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