Dental health during pregnancy

Dental health is extremely important for everyone; however, it is particularly important for pregnant women to keep an eye on their oral health.

How will pregnancy affect my teeth and gums?

It is very common for pregnant women to experience problems with their gums during pregnancy; around half of all pregnant women suffer from problems relating to their gums during pregnancy. The most common oral health issue affecting pregnant women is gingivitis; gingivitis is a condition which causes the gums to become inflamed and red; the gums may also bleed, especially during and after brushing.

Problems with the gums are more common in pregnant women because the hormones released during pregnancy can make the gum tissue more vulnerable to harmful plaque acids.

During pregnancy, some women also suffer from other oral health problems, including pregnancy tumours and tooth erosion. Pregnancy tumours are swollen lumps, which appear on the gums; they are often red and they may bleed; most women have them surgically removed once they have given birth. Tooth erosion is common in women who suffer with morning sickness; the acid in vomit damages the protective enamel surfaces of the teeth, making them more susceptible to decay (it is advisable to wait for 1 hour after you have vomited to brush your teeth, as the enamel is weaker during the first hour and brushing may cause further damage). If you experience these problems, arrange to see your dentist.

Why is dental health so important for pregnant women?

Dental health is important for everyone but good oral health is essential for pregnant women; this is because the bacteria which cause gum disease can have a harmful affect on the unborn baby. Bacteria in the mother’s mouth can travel to the baby via the bloodstream and studies have shown that these bacteria can contribute to premature birth and even stillbirth.

Pregnant women are susceptible to gingivitis, a condition which causes the gums to bleed and become swollen; it is important to get this treated, as it can develop into a more serious form of gum disease known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is irreversible and it can cause serious problems, affecting both the jaw bone and the teeth. Gingivitis can usually be treated very effectively.

How can I prevent oral health issues?

The most effective way to prevent oral health issues is to adopt a good oral hygiene routine; this should include:

• Brushing the teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time
• Using dental floss on a daily basis
• Using mouthwash

It is also important to visit the dentist on a regular basis. All pregnant women are advised to visit their dentist at least once during their pregnancy. Other tips for preventing oral health problems include:

• Cut down on sugary snacks and fizzy drinks
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Snack on sugar-free foods or fruit

When should I visit my dentist?

It is best to arrange to see your dentist as soon as you find out you are pregnant; make sure you tell your dentist that you are pregnant when you go and see them. Your dentist will check your general oral health and they will probably advise you to come back at some point during your pregnancy; if you experience problems or symptoms of gingivitis, you should arrange an appointment as quickly as possible.

If you need to have dental treatment, your dentist will advise you when to come back and see them; they may wait until the second trimester to do this, as this may be safer.

Is it safe to have a dental X-ray during pregnancy?

It is rare for pregnant women to have dental X-rays; in general, dentists avoid giving pregnant women dental X-rays but they may be carried out in emergency situations. As a general rule, dental –rays will only be done if the treatment needs to be done before the baby is born and leaving the condition untreated could affect the baby’s health.

Will my diet affect my teeth or my baby’s teeth?

Diet always has an impact on your teeth; eating sugary and acidic foods leads to tooth erosion and contributes to issues such as gum disease. During pregnancy, your diet will affect the development of your baby so it is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet, which offers a range of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Your baby’s teeth will usually start to develop around the 3 month mark (the teeth start to develop during pregnancy even though they are usually not visible until the baby is around 6 months old); if you eat a healthy diet, your baby’s teeth should develop healthily.

Smoking and pregnancy

Smoking is very dangerous for both your health and the health of your unborn baby; smoking contributes to a vast array of serious health problems and it can cause the following problems for your baby:

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Respiratory problems and lung conditions
• Smaller than average organs (which may contribute to health problems as they grow and develop)
• Weaker enamel on the baby’s teeth

Smoking is also very harmful for oral health; it leads to staining and discolouration, damages the enamel surfaces of the teeth and the gum tissue and contributes to oral cancer. For help quitting smoking, talk to your GP or contact your local NHS Stop Smoking service.

Is it safe to take medication for dental health problems?

In general, doctors advise pregnant women to steer clear of medication during their pregnancy; however, some medications are safe. Make sure you tell your dentist that you are pregnant; they will then advise you which medication you can take if you need to; if you have any queries or concerns about medication, you can ask your GP or pharmacist.

NHS dental care for pregnant women

NHS dental care is free for pregnant women; dental care is also free for the first 12 months after the baby is born. You must be registered with an NHS dentist in order to benefit from free care.

How can I register with a dentist if I don’t have one?

If you are not registered with an NHS dentist, you are advised to register as soon as possible. You can contact your local Primary Care Trust and they will then tell you which practices in the area have spaces. You can also contact a surgery directly; most surgeries display posters or signs if they are taking on new NHS patients.

How can I improve my oral health?

Oral health is very important because it contributes to general health; recent studies have shown that good oral health leads to good overall health, while poor standards of oral health contribute to a higher risk of strokes, diabetes and heart disease. In order to improve your standards of oral health, you can follow these steps:

• Stick to a good daily oral hygiene routine
• Visit your dentist at least once every 12 months (some patients may be advised to go for a check-up every 6 months)
• Cut down on sugary and acidic foods
• Drink plenty of water
• Take in plenty of calcium (this helps to strengthen the teeth)
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Stop smoking
• Use an electric toothbrush (these help to remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes)
• Use mouthwash and dental floss
• Cut down on snacking between meals

Developing Body:

• A Pregnant Mother’s Developing Body
• Weight gain in the trimesters of Pregnancy
• Nutrition in Pregnancy
• Avoiding Excess Weight Gain during Pregnancy
• Breasts Changes during Pregnancy
• Back pain during pregnancy
• Dental health during pregnancy
• Fluid retention during pregnancy