During pregnancy you may face a many new and often uncomfortable health issues as the months tick by. From swollen feet and an aversion to previously loved foods, many of the things you will may face are often explained away as being ‘just because you’re pregnant.’ But when it comes to your oral health the problems that you may face while pregnant should not be overlooked as they could cause further issues later for you or your baby.
To keep your body and mouth healthy during pregnancy here are the Oral Health Foundation’s six things you need to know about your oral health:
1. Bleeding gums & gum disease
Changing hormonal levels during pregnancy mean that your body will react differently to bacteria on your teeth (plaque). This can lead to swollen and bleeding gums and even to the more serious forms of gum disease such as periodontitis and pregnancy gingivitis. There have been proven links between gum disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes; with a greater risk of pre-eclampsia, premature birth and of giving birth to an underweight child. It is therefore vital that pregnant women do not ignore any early signs of gum disease and get checked out by a dental professional straight away.
2. Treating gum disease
If you do have signs of gum disease, either periodontitis or gingivitis, you should know that it can be treated perfectly safely during pregnancy. This treatment involves a dental health professional performing a deep clean under the gums to remove any bacteria, the only risks associated with this is slight soreness of the gums which you would face even if you were not pregnant.
3. Prevention
As with anybody’s oral health, prevention is always much better than a cure when it comes to looking after your mouth, this is certainly the case when you are pregnant. A good oral health routine should involve brushing last thing at night and at least one other time during the day with a fluoride toothpaste, daily interdental cleaning and regular visits to the dentist, these are free under the NHS if you are pregnant.
4. Diet
One of the easiest changes you can make to look after your oral health, and overall health, is your diet. Cutting down on how often and how much sugar you consumer can dramatically reduce your risk of tooth decay and is also beneficial to many other areas of your health. Switching to fresh fruit and vegetables is a great way to look after your oral health and also look after you and your baby.
5. X-rays and anaesthesia
Always tell your dentist if you are pregnant, especially if there is a chance that you will need an x-ray. Your dentist will usually wait until you've had the baby. X-rays during pregnancy do not carry risks to your unborn baby, such as miscarriage or birth defects but repeated exposure to radiation can potentially damage the body's cells in the long run, increasing risk of developing cancer. X-rays are very low doses of radiation and during pregnancy carry a minimal risk of exposing the unborn baby to radiation.
6. Painkillers and antibiotics
It is generally safe for you to use common painkillers such as paracetamol and antibiotics when you are pregnant. You should always speak to your doctor before taking any new medication while pregnant to make sure it is safe to use.
It’s vitally important to stay on top of your oral health when you are pregnant to avoid any potential problems.
Breastfeeding and Mom’s Oral Health
It’s been well-established that breastfeeding is good for babies’ oral health. It can help them to avoid “baby bottle decay,” and research even suggests that it can help to prevent some orthodontic problems. As great as breastfeeding is for new arrivals, however, it can take a toll on Mom’s oral health if you aren’t careful. Here are a few ways that breastfeeding might harm your smile:
- Life changes can affect your habits. Adding a new member to your family is a huge adjustment, and even if you’re already in the process of raising older children, an infant can still easily transform your routine. In all of the new-baby chaos, you might start to neglect your good oral hygiene habits. Some moms fall into the trap of brushing their teeth only once a day, or worse, not at all.
- Stress may cause bruxism. The challenges of taking care of a little one can easily increase your stress levels, which is a major risk factor for bruxism (teeth grinding). This habit can cause premature wear and tear on your smile.
- Dehydration. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for breastfeeding moms to experience dehydration. One of the side effects of dehydration is dry mouth, which increases your risk of tooth decay.
Caring for Your Smile While Breastfeeding
From the date your bundle of joy arrives, please be determined to:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. Not only will this be good for your smile, but it will also benefit your baby. After all, you don’t want to accidentally transfer harmful bacteria to your little one if you share a spoon or some smooches.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Taking in enough water is important to prevent hydration.
- Be aware of changes in your mouth. If you notice that you have a sore jaw or significant tooth pain, you may be unconsciously grinding your teeth. Taking a few steps to reduce your stress levels and visiting your dentist near League City to ask for a nightguard might be what you need to do to save your smile from the ravages of bruxism.
You want your baby to grow up seeing lots of healthy, happy smiles from Mom, so please take steps to care for your oral health while you’re breastfeeding your dear little one.
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