Starting a family is exciting. You anticipate the birth and create a nurturing and comfortable environment for the baby—perhaps nursery ideas or the perfect bassinet. You also see the doctor regularly to monitor progress and take prenatal vitamins to keep you and your baby healthy. These are all good things, but remember to consider your oral health during these critical months!
Your oral health is important all the time, but during pregnancy, you may be more at risk for specific oral health issues. It’s essential to continue seeing your dentist throughout pregnancy. We also recommend visiting our office as part of family planning—a gum health assessment before pregnancy is always a good idea!
Additionally, you should follow up with your Lincoln dentist after the baby arrives for a final assessment.
The Importance of Oral Health During Pregnancy
Your oral health is directly linked to physical wellness, making dental care a vital part of prenatal care. You want to ensure your well-being and create an ideal environment for your baby.
Your dentist will assess your oral health to ensure hormonal changes and issues like morning sickness are not impacting the teeth and gums. We also encourage you to contact our dental office if you have questions or concerns about oral health changes and how they relate to your pregnancy.
Common Dental Health Issues During Pregnancy
There are a few dental-related risks to consider during pregnancy. However, you can significantly mitigate these risks or complications by seeing your dentist regularly and practicing healthy habits.
We’ve listed a few things to watch for below.
Hormonal Changes and Their Impact on Dental Health
Hormonal changes (as seen during pregnancy) are a known risk factor for gum disease, which can cause complications for both mother and baby. We will cover gum disease in more detail later in this blog.
Morning Sickness and Dental Health
Morning sickness can significantly impact dental health for several reasons. For example, vomiting can erode tooth enamel, putting you at risk for decay and even tooth loss. Morning sickness can also deplete essential nutrients or minerals that keep your smile healthy.
Dry Mouth and Tooth Decay
Dry mouth may result from hormonal changes or adjustments to nighttime breathing. It can also increase the risk of tooth decay during pregnancy.
Safe Dental Treatments During Pregnancy
Fortunately, most dental treatments are safe during pregnancy, but the American Pregnancy Foundation recommends holding off on some cosmetic treatments, like teeth whitening, until after the baby is born.
It is best to have dental treatments during the second trimester because remaining in the dental chair can be uncomfortable during the final months.
Oral Hygiene Tips for Expectant Mothers
It’s important to continue brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist for dental checkups and teeth cleanings during pregnancy. However, you may add an extra teeth cleaning session if you have morning sickness. You can also rinse after vomiting with an alcohol-free rinse.
- Brushing and Flossing — You should brush your teeth after every meal or no less than twice daily. It would be best to floss after eating or no less than once daily. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and hit all surfaces, and always use a fresh section of floss as you go. If morning sickness is an issue, you may consider changing your toothbrush.
- Getting Dental Care in Lincoln—See the dentist every six months for exams and teeth cleanings. It may also be best to schedule a gum health assessment and teeth cleaning before family planning, which are always part of your regular preventive dental visit.
- Stay Hydrated and Rinse — Water is best for maintaining a healthy moisture level in the mouth. It’s also an excellent way to clear debris and acids from the teeth. Drink and rinse for best results.
- Talk to Your Lincoln Dentist — If you notice tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, or other oral health changes during brushing and flossing, it’s vital to contact our dental office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment with the dentist.
Nutritional Needs for Healthy Teeth and Gums
During pregnancy, you should adopt a balanced diet that includes whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and protein. It’s also vital to take your prenatal vitamins to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and smile.
In general, and according to Mayo Clinic, you should avoid certain types of fish high in mercury (orange roughy, swordfish). Typically, a fatty fish like salmon is fine. It’s also best not to eat raw or undercooked seafood or unwashed fruits and vegetables. It would be best if you avoid alcohol, caffeine, and certain herbal teas.
The above is by no means a complete nutritional list! Your OBGYN will discuss proper nutrition throughout your pregnancy.
A Special Note on Gum Disease and Pregnancy
Gum disease, sometimes called periodontal disease, is a staged but serious oral health condition or the tooth-supporting bones and ligaments. Pregnancy may increase your gum disease risks.
The first stage is gingivitis, which is reversible. It means that the infections and inflammation of the gum tissues have not penetrated the bone. The condition is only treatable in advanced disease, but gum disease treatment can mitigate the associated risks.
Studies show a strong link between gum disease and the following health issues:
- Tooth loss
- Hearth health issues
- Lung health issues
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Low birth weight
- Premature labor
The above is not a complete list, but it shows why regular dental care is vital during pregnancy and why a checkup prior to family planning may be beneficial.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Loose or mobile teeth
- Bleeding gums during brushing and flossing
- Recurring bad breath
- Gum recession
You don’t have to notice every symptom for a gum disease diagnosis, which is another vital reason for dental care during pregnancy.
Dentistry During Pregnancy: Protect Your Oral Health in Lincoln
We aim to help you enjoy a risk-free pregnancy and easy family planning. Contact a friendly and compassionate team member today to learn more about dental care during pregnancy or to schedule a visit with the dentist.
We accept a wide range of insurance plans, work with CareCredit financing, and have our own Antelope Creek Family Dentistry Membership Plan for the uninsured. Ask a dental team member for details, including limits and exclusions.