Moms-to-be have a lot to take care of to have the healthiest pregnancies they can. Some items that moms-to-be check off include making it to prenatal appointments, keeping track of weight and symptoms, and taking prenatal vitamins every day. Dental care is another important part of prenatal care, both because of physical changes that happen during pregnancy and because dental care is a part of good health at all times.
Dental challenges during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time that’s full of many different physical changes. The changes that can have an impact on dental health aren’t generally the ones that get the most attention, but dental challenges during pregnancy are possible, and being ready for them can help moms-to-be stay happy and healthy through pregnancy and afterward. Dental changes that can happen during pregnancy include:
- Pregnancy gingivitis: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can impact many parts of the body, including increasing the risk of the gum condition gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums that can cause swelling, tenderness, and bleeding when brushing or flossing. Pregnancy gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious gum disease.
- Periodontitis: This gum disease can be serious. With periodontitis, there is swelling and infection in both the gums and the bones holding teeth in place, which can make teeth loose.
- Risk of tooth decay: There are a few reasons pregnant people can be at a higher risk for tooth decay, including cravings and diet changes during pregnancy, and extra exposure to acid in the mouth in those with morning sickness.
- Pregnancy tumors: These can appear on the gums, which usually happen during the second trimester, are not a sign of cancer. Instead, they are caused by swelling of the gums, usually between the teeth, maybe due to plaque. These can bleed easily, and look red and raw. They usually go away on their own after delivery, but dentists can consult with moms-to-be about removing them, as well.
Healthy teeth, healthy baby?
Some studies have linked the gum disease periodontitis with problems like preterm birth and low birth weight. There’s some debate about this connection, but some evidence suggests that strong dental health during pregnancy can help to decrease some risks.
Making your appointment
You have dental coverage through News Corp, which you can find more details about here. Dental insurance can make regular dental care, including the extra dental care that can be needed during pregnancy, within reach. You can also reach out to an Ovia Health coach if you have any questions.
The most important part of dental care during pregnancy is to make sure your dentist knows that you’re pregnant. When you’re setting up the appointment, talk to the dental office about the fact that you’re pregnant, and how far along you’ll be when you come in for your appointment. When you get there, it can also be a good idea to check in again about if and how your pregnancy should impact your treatment. Most regular dental treatments, including dental x-rays and local anesthetics, have been found to be safe during pregnancy.
Sources
- Tanya Wrzosek, Adrienne Einarson. “Dental care during pregnancy.” Canadian Family Physician. 55(6): 598-599. June 2009. Retrieved September 11 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2694079/.
- “Dental health during pregnancy.” March of Dimes. March of Dimes, January 2013. Retrieved September 11 2018. https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/dental-health-during-pregnancy.aspx.
- “Is it safe to go to the dentist during pregnancy?” Mouth Healthy. American Dental Association. Retrieved September 11 2018. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/pregnancy/concerns.
