Paul Sandvick, DDS Family Practice

March 11, 2010

All expectant mothers know pregnancy can affect everything from their food likes and dislikes to their stress and emotional levels. But did you also know that there is a strong relationship between pregnancy and oral health? Being pregnant has a direct impact on the condition of your teeth and gums, while at the same time the quality of your oral hygiene can impact your pregnancy. Since oral hygiene can be a topic that gets overlooked, it’s important to realize the impact that it can have on you during pregnancy.

The first step is to tell your dentist that you are pregnant since pregnancy can affect women’s teeth and gums in varying degrees. During pregnancy, your immune system becomes suppressed, which causes your body to become more sensitive to plaque, the bacteria that form on your teeth. This sensitivity can cause irritation to the teeth and gum tissue.

Given this increased risk of irritation due to plaque, pregnant women are more susceptible to a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. The symptoms to watch for include swelling, bleeding and tenderness of gums and teeth. When pregnancy gingivitis is not addressed, it can lead to a more serious condition called periodontal disease. In some cases, there has been a correlation between periodontal disease and preterm labor with low birth weight. It’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible if you notice any symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis.

To help prevent disease and keep your mouth healthy during pregnancy, it is recommended that expectant moms receive a thorough professional cleaning. Women that are planning on pregnancy should also visit their dentist regularly. Studies have shown that women who have healthy mouths and visit their dentist regularly before pregnancy are less likely to develop pregnancy gingivitis as compared to women who simply start to clean their teeth regularly after they become pregnant.

Since expectant moms have an increased susceptibility to dental disease during pregnancy, it is especially important not to skip your dental appointments. The second trimester of your pregnancy is the ideal time to visit your dentist for non-urgent care since the first and third trimesters are critical times in the baby’s growth and development.

Most pregnant women should try to avoid X-rays during their pregnancy. But if an X-ray is necessary, your dentist should use extreme caution to safeguard you and your baby by using a lead apron. Advances in technology have made X-rays much safer today than in the past. 

Your diet during pregnancy not only directly affects your baby, but it affects your teeth and the development of your baby’s teeth as well. During pregnancy, women should try to avoid starches and sugars in order to keep their teeth healthy. Additionally, the third through sixth months of pregnancy are when your baby’s teeth are developing below the gums. This is when it’s important to be getting protein, calcium, vitamins A, C and D, phosphorus and fluoride in order to promote the healthy development of your baby’s teeth.

Oral hygiene is extremely important and becomes even more so during pregnancy. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your teeth and oral hygiene during pregnancy, contact your dentist.

Dr. Paul Sandvick, DDS practices general dentistry in Milwaukee, WI.