Dental Health and Your Pregnancy

A woman who is fortunate enough to be pregnant has plenty of things to think about and to care for including her body, her diet, and her dental health. The germs that cause cavities can be transmitted to her baby after it is born so it is important for all pregnant women to take really good care of their teeth, mouth and tongue.

A pregnant woman can improve dental health by learning how to brush properly and by brushing with a soft toothbrush twice a day. She should use fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. She should position the toothbrush so the bristles of the toothbrush are placed where the teeth and the gums meet because this is where gum disease starts and plague congregates.

It is important for pregnant women to floss once daily and to floss between each tooth where the toothbrush cannot reach.

Pregnant women should limit the amounts of sweets or starchy snacks they consume each day. These sweet and starchy snacks can cause "acid attacks" on the enamel of the teeth. They should also reduce sugary drinks and to stay away from soda.

Good prenatal care is also important for good dental care.

It is important to have calcium in the vitamin and mineral supplement they take during pregnancy. Calcium is important for the baby’s teeth and bones. The pregnant woman can ingest calcium when eating daily products such as cheese. It is also healthy to eat dried beans, and leafy green vegetables.

Pregnant women should eat healthy meals and snacks for healthy bodies and teeth. Healthy snacks and meals include fruits, vegetables, meat sandwiches, cereal and breads, daily products and milk, cheese, yogurt, and juices (vegetable and fruit). They should eat six smaller meals instead of 3 large ones.

Why is good dental health important for pregnant women? Evidence shows that there may be a link between gum disease and premature birth, which results in underweight babies. If pregnant and there is gum disease present, there may be a higher risk for premature birth. More research is necessary about gum disease and premature birth but there is likely to be a connection. Good oral hygiene is important for anyone but especially for women who are pregnant.

Gingivitis can occur at anytime but it is especially common during pregnancy because of the increased level of hormones that makes the gums react differently to irritants such as plague. Plague causes gingivitis. This is why it is important for pregnant women to have good oral care and keep teeth clean. Good oral care can reduce gingivitis.

The dentist will recommend that a pregnant women see the dentist early on in the pregnancy or before getting pregnant if she is trying to conceive because dental x-rays are not recommended during pregnancy and x-rays or any dental procedures can be done before becoming pregnant. Once pregnant any dental visits should be scheduled during the months four to six of pregnancy because the stress of dental visits during the first trimester of pregnancy may effect the child’s development and during the last trimester of the pregnancy dental visits may increase the risk for prenatal complications due to stress.

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