A few months ago, I was asked by Dr. Pinkey Patel to write a series of dental health posts related to pregnancy, postpartum and pediatrics. She has created an amazing app called The Snapback, which helps women overcome physical and mental challenges during and post pregnancy. Please check out the website and app - it's truly a great resource I wish I had when I was pregnant. Below is my first install of the guest series, continue reading!
Pregnancy is an exciting and challenging time in a woman’s life. Transformations are not only happening within your body – changes are also occurring in your life to prepare for motherhood! During this time, it is not uncommon for moms to be to overlook another aspect of their health, dental health! Very frequently, pregnant and postpartum women place their dental health to the side while they prioritize the health of their growing baby. However, taking care of your oral health is just as paramount!
Pregnant women are at a greater risk for an array of oral conditions. This is primarily due to the hormonal changes within the body, which results in manifestations in the oral cavity. This, along with poor oral hygiene can increase the likelihood of these oral health conditions. However, good oral habits and regular visits to the dentist can keep this under control. Here are some things to look out for and what you can do to help manage it.
Gingivitis is the inflammation of your gums. There is a heightened response to bacteria and dental plaque during pregnancy, thus leading to sensitive, swollen and bleeding gums. Periodontitis is a more severe form of gingivitis which involves receding gums and bone loss. If left uncontrolled, this can lead to infections and tooth loss. Diligent oral hygiene habits, which includes brushing at least twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride, using mouthwash or salt water rinse, and flossing can help keep this under control.
Pregnancy tumors are growths on the gingiva that are red and raspberry-like in appearance. This happens in a small percentage of pregnant women and is due to the very intense inflammatory reaction to the bacteria and plaque in your mouth. They are benign but can get large, bleed and be uncomfortable. They typically manifest in the second trimester and subside, but in some rare cases needed to be excised by your dentist.
Dental caries and tooth erosion have an increased probability of appearing during pregnancy. The main factors for this is the acidic environment of the oral cavity due vomiting from morning sickness, high intake of sugary foods and beverages and poor hygiene. Besides good hygiene habits, it is very important to keep your periodic dental visits so your dentist can do exams and look out for any of these lesions.
Don’t be alarmed by all the conditions mentioned above! The key to managing this is proper hygiene habits and dental visits! This can be very overwhelming when you have a large list of other things you have to do, like your prenatal visits, blood tests, taking your vitamins, eating healthy etc. But dental health is integral to your pregnancy and should not be forgotten.
Sometimes women are hesitant to keep their periodic dental visits for fear of undergoing unnecessary procedures that may potentially harm the fetus. There is an incredible amount of information concerning what you can do and not do while pregnant. Let’s break it down and dispel any myths!
Firstly, preventative and restorative care is safe during pregnancy. Caries and other infections are diagnosed not only with a clinical exam but also by radiographs. If indicated, radiographs can play a crucial role in the diagnosis of oral conditions and are safe during pregnancy with proper shielding.
If any dental treatment is recommended by your dentist, generally the second trimester is the safest time to complete it. Local anesthetics is generally safe during pregnancy and can be administered for necessary dental work. Any elective or cosmetic work should be postponed until after pregnancy.
Even if diagnosed later in your pregnancy, any recommended dental work should be treated in a timely manner as advised by your dentist. Untreated oral pathologies or infections can pose a risk to you and your baby. Having a healthy mouth is important postpartum as well, since caries causing bacteria can be passed from you to your baby via saliva. Does this mean you can’t kiss your baby? Of course not! Having this knowledge hopefully empowers you to not just prioritize your baby’s needs but your own. Having a healthy body, mind and mouth will enable you to feel your best as you move forward into motherhood.
Please check out The SnapBack Blog where they host an array of information to help you through all aspects of pregnancy. Let me know if you have any questions!
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