Thinking about becoming pregnant, or already pregnant? You probably have a whole list of ‘to-do’ things swirling around your head, and your teeth might not be high on your priorities. However, you might not be aware that recent research has found that the health of your gums may also affect the health of your baby-to-be. So, sit back, relax and we’ll go though a few tips from dentist Dr. Raymond Lee (D.D.S., Pacific USA) that might be of interest to you and your baby.

The best advice for women considering pregnancy is: visit your dentist for a check-up before becoming pregnant so that any oral problems can be treated. If you’re already pregnant, don't put off dental work until after delivery. Tooth decay can cause infection that could harm your baby. Always be sure to tell your dentist that you’re pregnant and how far along you are.

Schedule a dental appointment immediately if: you have painful or bleeding gums, bad breath, any lumps or growths in your mouth, tooth pain, or tooth loss.

Gum and Teeth Changes

During pregnancy, your gums are more likely to become inflamed or infected. Most pregnant women have some bleeding of their gums, especially while brushing or flossing their teeth. Inflamed gums are called “gingivitis.” Infected gums are called “periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a serious gum infection that destroys attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold teeth in the mouth. That’s why if the periodontal disease isn’t treated, the bone around the tooth will shrink and eventually the tooth becomes loose.

Causes of Gum and Teeth Changes During Pregnancy
Your gums and teeth may change during pregnancy because of hormonal changes and increased blood flow throughout your body causing gum swelling, sensitivity and tenderness. You may also notice that your mouth produces more saliva during pregnancy.

Gum and Teeth Changes: What You Can Do
Be sure to keep you gums and teeth healthy during pregnancy. If gingivitis is left unchecked, it may lead to more serious gum disease (periodontal disease).

Follow these tips to help keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. If possible, brush after every meal for at least five minutes at a time.
• Be gentle. Use a soft-bristled brush and brush gently. If you have a lot of sensitivity, try using toothpaste designed for sensitive gums. If your gums hurt after brushing, apply ice to soothe the pain.
• Floss daily
• Snack wisely- cut down on sweets. To reduce the feeling of nausea, Obstetricians recommend eating small amounts often. However, sweet snacks and soft drinks all contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.
• Get regular dental care. Be sure to have a dental check-up early in pregnancy to help your mouth remain healthy.
  

Premature Birth and Gum Disease

Recent research in the United States suggests that serious gum disease, called periodontitis, can cause your baby to be born prematurely. For a long time we've known that many risk factors contribute to mothers having premature, low birth weight babies—smoking, alcohol use, drug use and infections. Now mounting evidence suggests a new risk factor—periodontal disease. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that’s premature.

Reports indicate that gum infections may cause a faster-than-normal increase in the levels of chemicals that induce labor, thus causing premature delivery before the baby can grow to a normal birth weight. Important steps to take:

• Eat small amounts often - even if you are not hungry. Try not to go more than three hours without eating during the day or ten hours at night. An empty stomach triggers nausea, so don’t skip breakfast!
• Eat a few crackers, dry toast or vanilla wafers before rising in the morning. Stay in bed 15-20 minutes after eating and then get up slowly. Give yourself extra time in the morning.
• Do not brush your teeth until you have been up for a while.
• Do not brush your teeth for 30 minutes after vomiting. The stomach acid combined with brushing may erode the tooth enamel. Instead, rinse your mouth with water, or use a fluoride mouth rinse after vomiting, to freshen your mouth and protect your teeth from the damaging action of stomach acids.
• A specific food or drink may trigger nausea in one woman and alleviate it in another. Milk is a good example of this. Find out what works best for you and eliminate the foods that cause nausea.
• Avoid coffee and products containing caffeine as it increases stomach acids that can trigger vomiting.

Hopefully this article has given you more of an idea of how to look after your teeth and your health during pregnancy. If you would like more information, you can always contact Dr Raymond Lee.