Is Pregnancy Bad for Your Teeth?

As soon as you found out you were expecting a little bundle of joy, you made instant changes to your diet, sleep schedule, and lifestyle to ensure your baby has everything it needs to thrive. Unfortunately, you’ll learn many baby books, pamphlets, and even obstetrician appointments fail to mention how important your smile is to your baby. Your waistline isn’t the only area to show the changes that come along with pregnancy. You will also have an increased risk of preventable dental issues that can place your unborn child at risk of complications. Here’s what you need to know about pregnancy oral care to ensure a smooth pregnancy and delivery.

Pregnancy-Related Dental Problems

You’ll experience several hormone changes throughout your pregnancy, which can negatively affect your dental health. The biggest threat is pregnancy gingivitis caused by hormonal changes that increase the likeliness of irritated and bleeding gums. Research has linked gum disease to several medical issues, including preterm delivery and low birth weights.

Besides your hormones, morning sickness can also contribute to dental problems. Stomach acid can weaken your tooth enamel, making expectant mothers more likely to develop cavities. Morning sickness isn’t the only culprit of cavities during pregnancy. Frequent snacking throughout the day can result in frequent exposure to cavity-causing bacteria that damage the enamel.

In some cases, the onset of problems is connected to poor oral hygiene habits. It’s hard work growing a human body inside of you, which means it’s easy to crawl into bed at night without brushing or flossing. Although you normally clean your teeth before bed, breaking the routine can cause accumulations of plaque and bacteria that can harm your smile.

Nurture a Healthy Smile and Baby

Thankfully, it doesn’t take too much to keep your smile healthy to foster your baby’s development. It’s best to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes in the morning and at night. If you find yourself snacking more often, brush your teeth after every meal. Don’t forget to use high-quality dental floss to clean between each tooth daily. You’ll remove accumulations that can irritate your gums.

Although you will have a few cravings, it’s best to control your sweet tooth. Eat a balanced diet that’s limited in sugars and starches. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your mouth clean between brushing and flossing.

You’ll want to maintain your semi-annual appointments with your dentist for a cleaning and checkup. Be sure to let them know you’re expecting, so they can take precautions to keep you and your baby safe while promoting your oral health.

About Dr. Reema Dhingra

Dr. Reema earned her dental degree at the Tufts School of Dental Medicine before achieving her orthodontic certifications. She is passionate about providing comfortable care for the young smiles in the Auburn area. She’ll be by your child’s side from birth to graduation to promote a healthy smile. If it’s time for your child’s first cleaning and checkup, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.