Teeth are usually the last thing a woman thinks about during pregnancy. During this period the female body goes through changes that can, however, have an adverse effect on dental health. This is because diseases of the oral cavity occur more often during pregnancy.
Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
These include, for example, gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis can be a result of hormonal changes that magnify the reaction of the gums to bacteria. The gums are swollen, reddened and bleeding. That is why it is very important for a woman to know how to care for her teeth properly and not to irritate the gums with incorrectly removed dental plaque and food residue in the spaces between the teeth.
A more frequent visit to dental hygiene is also recommended, where a professional cleans the woman’s teeth, removes tartar and plaque, checks the standard of home hygiene and, if needed, helps to set it up so that pregnancy gingivitis is kept under control.
Periodontitis
Besides gum inflammation, periodontitis may also appear, which, if left untreated, leads to the loss of teeth. Besides the loss of teeth, it may also threaten the mother-to-be with a complication during the course of pregnancy. Studies demonstrate a possible link between periodontitis and premature birth, the birth of children with a low birth weight or the development of pre-eclampsia.
Tooth decay
Another disease is tooth decay, which may appear not only because of changes in diet — such as an increased intake of food during the day caused by cravings, increased acidity in the mouth as a result of vomiting or dry mouth — but also because of poor oral hygiene resulting from nausea and vomiting.
Erosion of the teeth
Erosion of the teeth (that is, the loss of dental tissue – enamel or dentine) caused by vomiting as a result of morning sickness may also appear.
It is important to avoid cleaning the teeth immediately after vomiting.
Why? Stomach acids cause changes in the pH in the mouth, to which the tooth enamel also reacts, becoming softer under the effect of the acids. If the teeth are cleaned at a time when the enamel is softened, it is possible to damage it with the brush, or even to remove it from the tooth completely. Such destruction of the enamel leads to increased sensitivity of the teeth and to their yellowing.
Instead of cleaning the teeth straight after vomiting, I recommend simply rinsing the mouth with water or an alcohol-free mouthwash and waiting 10–15 minutes until the acidic environment in the mouth has been corrected and it is possible to clean the teeth safely. Sugar-free chewing gum is also excellent, as it supports the production of saliva, which leads more quickly to the correction of the pH in the mouth.
Pyogenic granuloma
During pregnancy, as a result of hormonal changes, a pyogenic granuloma, or granuloma gravidarum, may also appear. This is a round growth, usually connected to the gum by thin tissue containing blood vessels. The growth grows quickly and often bleeds as well. Once the woman has given birth, the granuloma usually disappears spontaneously. In the event that the growth does not disappear, it needs to be removed surgically.
How to care for your teeth in pregnancy
Given the increased risk of gum inflammation and the occurrence of tooth decay, it is necessary to pay extra attention to careful oral hygiene:
- clean your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush for at least three minutes
- use a fluoride toothpaste
- do not forget interdental brushes once a day
- treat yourself to a more frequent visit to dental hygiene