Pregnancy is a woman’s life phase when her body undergoes several physiologic changes. Hormonal changes like increased levels of progesterone and estrogen lead to several physical changes. During this phase, one important thing that usually gets ignored is oral health. It is important to monitor the oral health of the mother. Otherwise, it can be a source of unnecessary stress for the mother, leading to sleepless nights due to toothache, restricted diet due to sensitivity, and other issues. Mamahood is here to support you on this journey.
As per the studies published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology in 2005, oral health affects the mother and fetal growth. Further, a study published in the Dental Research Journal in 2022 also discusses the influence of maternal periodontitis on adverse pregnancies.
Tooth decay
The prevalence of tooth decay increases due to a decrease in saliva flow and a change in the pH of saliva. Any existing decay is expected to worsen, and new cavities might also get induced as saliva has a major role in the defense system of the oral cavity. Also, a reduced level of calcium and phosphate in the saliva further accelerates tooth decay.
Gingivitis
Swelling in the gums is known as gingivitis. This occurs due to the increase in hormones in the body. The swollen gums may become tender and bleed while brushing or eating something hard.
Periodontitis
This refers to the swelling of the supporting structure of the tooth, which may lead to the loosening of teeth. The reason for periodontitis is the change in the microflora of your mouth during pregnancy.
Sensitivity
Due to morning sickness, your teeth are exposed to gastric acids. The gastric acids tend to remove the enamel layer of teeth, hence exposing the dentin (inner) layer. This leads to increased sensitivity when you eat something hot or cold.
Low body weight babies
Recent studies have shown a connection between oral health and low body weight (LBW) in babies. Periodontitis effects are similar to genitourinary infections and are considered a risk factor for LBW. This is primarily due to increased levels of chemicals of inflammation in the motherโs body that leads to premature birth. Since many surgical procedures and medicines are not recommended during pregnancy, it is better to work on prevention than finding a cure.
Prevention
The above-mentioned conditions can be prevented, or their impact can be reduced by following proper oral hygiene practices.
- If you plan to conceive, make sure to get appointments with your dentist. Since exposure to X-rays and most medicines are not recommended during pregnancy, an early appointment will help you to get some invasive treatments (RCT, extractions, wisdom tooth removal, etc.) done, if required. Most of the treatments will need to be avoided during pregnancy to ensure the safety of the mother and the fetus.
- Avoid brushing just after vomiting; instead, rinse with warm saline or baking soda to reduce your mouth’s acidity level.
- Schedule routine appointments with your dentist for an expert opinion.
An insight from mamahood
You can practice rinsing your mouth with warm, saline water to check your oral hygiene. This will help you maintain good gingival health. Avoid the use of any oral rinse or mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine. Don’t forget to spend a couple of minutes flossing your teeth; by this, you can remove the food debris stuck between the teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and within 15 minutes of your last meal of the day.
