Oral health care in pregnancy
Pregnancy is undoubtedly one of the most exciting, emotional and transformative periods in a woman’s life. The mother’s body is molded to accommodate a new being. In addition to hormonal and physiological changes, it is important to consider oral health care during pregnancy.
The truth is that, despite being a topic often discussed, there are many myths and misinformation and, unconsciously, the pregnant woman can put her health and the baby at risk.
The purpose of this article, precisely, to prevent that from happening and that the pregnant woman and the fetus live this phase in a full and risk-free way.
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Impact of hormonal changes in pregnant women on oral health
It is well known that hormonal changes can increase susceptibility to gum problems, such as gravidic gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that affects a significant percentage of women during pregnancy.
According to the Order of Dentists (OMD), about 60-70% of pregnant women develop some degree of gingival inflammation due to increased levels of progesterone and estrogen.
Still, there are two factors during pregnancy that can lead to worsening dental problems, they are:
- Changes in the composition of saliva
- Changed eating habits
Speaking of changes during pregnancy, OMD adds that the saliva of pregnant women can undergo changes in its chemical composition, becoming less effective in neutralizing acids, which increases the risk of tooth erosion and cavities.
Myths and truths about oral health in pregnancy
Many people still think that pregnancy “steals calcium from the teeth”, making them weaker. Nothing more wrong, the truth is that the teeth do not lose calcium due to gestation.
However, what happens is that due to frequent morning nausea and gastric reflux, many women experience tooth enamel erosion, increasing sensitivity and risk of cavities. The numbers say that 80% of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness, and this can have an impact on oral health.
We cannot neglect xerostomia (dry mouth), which can occur due to hormonal changes and increased need for hydration during pregnancy.
Obviously, a lack of saliva contributes to increased plaque formation, aggravating gum problems and increasing the risk of oral infections.
What other oral health issues in pregnancy can occur?
Pregnant women undoubtedly face many changes and some of them are related to oral health. At this stage of life, women are more likely to:
- Tooth decay: Due to the increased intake of sugar-rich foods that increase the appearance of tooth decay in pregnancy.
- Gravidic gingivitis: For the difficulty in keeping teeth clean, especially near the gum line.
- Pyogenic granuloma: Small hemorrhagic tumors that can appear in the gum, don’t be afraid, they are not cancerous. They are rare, but can occur normally in the second trimester and usually disappear after childbirth.
- Tooth erosion: Because vomiting can be frequent during pregnancy, stomach acid in contact with the teeth may contribute to tooth wear.
Are pregnant women with periodontal disease at higher risk of having premature babies?
Yes, and so it is important to talk about the link between periodontitis – a serious gum infection – and obstetric complications.
Scientific studies indicate that pregnant women with untreated periodontal disease have an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies.
Chronic inflammation and bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and trigger an inflammatory response in the body, directly affecting fetal development.
According to the OMD, about 18% of premature births may be associated with untreated gingival infections. Prevention, through rigorous oral hygiene and regular dental visits, can significantly reduce this risk.
What is the best time to see a dentist during pregnancy?
Everyone! Fortunately, dentistry has evolved in such a way that it has shown us the importance of going to the dentist during all management.
And if you have that fear that anesthesia or dental treatments will harm the baby, you are dead wrong. It is recommended that you inform your dentist about the stage of pregnancy in which you are, so that treatments can be planned properly.
When procedures are performed safely and under medical guidance do not pose a risk to the health of the pregnant woman or baby.
Also note that the best time to perform dental treatments is in the second trimester of pregnancy, as during the first trimester fetal development is in the beginning and in the third trimester physical discomfort of the mother can make it difficult to have long sessions at the dentist.
6 essential care to maintain oral health in pregnancy
To ensure a healthy pregnancy without unnecessary complications, it is essential to focus on prevention. If you want to maintain oral health during pregnancy, it’s important:
- Maintain a balanced diet
- Reduce sugar intake
- Follow an oral hygiene routine
- Regular visits to the dentist
- Avoid abrasive toothpastes
- Brush your teeth gently, especially if you suffer from frequent vomiting. Aggressive brushing can contribute to tooth erosion. Similarly, mouthwatering with water or alcohol-free flossing after episodes of gastric reflux can help minimize the impact of acid on tooth enamel.
Now, you know that a pregnant woman’s oral health is not just a matter of personal well-being but a factor that can directly influence the baby’s health.
Preventing dental problems, treating gum infections and maintaining a good oral hygiene routine are key steps for a healthy pregnancy.
Plan and schedule your dental appointments for this beautiful and challenging period of pregnancy!
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