Pregnant? What You Need to Know About Dental Care & Healthy Babies

Dental health is the foundation of your overall health, especially during pregnancy. Science has found a link between gum disease and premature birth with low birth weight, which can put your baby at risk of a number of health conditions. In fact, 18 out of every 100 premature births are caused by periodontal disease.

So just as you pay more attention to your diet, exercise plan, and avoid smoking and drinking — you also need to pay attention to dental health and periodontal disease. Here’s what pregnant mothers need to know when it comes to dental care and your baby.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection in the mouth caused by bacteria. These bacteria consume the sugar you eat to make acid that can destroy the enamel on your teeth — causing tooth decay. These bacteria can also attack your gums, leading to gingivitis, swelling and bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can spread to your gums and the bones that support your teeth, causing more severe gum disease. In severe cases, this gum disease can even lead to tooth loss.

Gingivitis can also affect the health of your baby. Doctors don’t know why, but they do know that patients with gingivitis and more serious gum disease have a higher risk of premature births, and their babies tend to be born at a lower birth weight, which can lead to a host of health problems for your baby.

Unfortunately, nature doesn’t make it easy for new moms. Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy increase bacteria in the gums more easily, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. To top it all off, morning sickness involves strong stomach acids that can further erode teeth and gums.

A Word About Pregnancy Tumors

Don’t worry — pregnancy tumors are not cancer, despite the scary name. These are overgrowths of tissue that appear on the gums, usually during the second trimester. They tend to be the result of plaque. They bleed easily, but usually disappear shortly after your baby is born.

Is Dental Care Safe During Pregnancy?

You can — and should — see a dentist during pregnancy. But it’s important to let your dentist know you are pregnant so they can adjust your dental care accordingly. And if you are planning on becoming pregnant, let your dentist know as early as possible. Dentists and doctors need to be extremely careful when prescribing medications to pregnant women. Some medicines such as tetracycline antibiotics can affect your baby’s developing teeth.

Tell your dentist about any changes you’ve noticed since becoming pregnant. Let them know about any special medications you are taking.

Ask your dentist to check your gums and how you should best care for them. Most dental treatments are safe during pregnancy. If possible, it is best to avoid treatments until after the first trimester. Pro-tip! If you do need dental treatment during pregnancy, you’ll likely be more comfortable if you lie back in the dental chair, with your right hip raised using a pillow or towel.

Are Dental X Rays Safe During Pregnancy?

X-rays are generally safe during pregnancy, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. But there is some controversy about whether or not pregnant moms should get X-rays. There are some conflicting studies out there. But this is your baby — and your health — after all. We think it’s best to err on the side of caution.

As a general rule, most dentists will only X-ray a pregnant woman when the benefits outweigh the risks. Sometimes, the info an X-ray provides can be important to both the health of the baby and the mother — even life saving.

That being said, if your dentist does recommend X-rays during pregnancy, keep in mind most X-rays pose little exposure to the uterus and your baby. Usually, dentists only X-ray your teeth. Your chest, belly, and reproductive organs are covered with a protective apron.

But it’s still a good idea to tell your dentist if you are planning to become pregnant. This way, we can get any necessary X-rays out of the way for the safety of you and your baby.

Looking After Your Teeth During Pregnancy

Great dental care is important to your overall health anytime, but it is crucial during pregnancy. Be sure to brush your teeth and gums at least twice per day — just after breakfast and just before bed. Floss once per day.

Some pregnant women gag during brushing. If this happens to you, try using a soft small-headed toothbrush designed for children. You can also try brushing later in the morning. As you clean your back teeth, try to concentrate on breathing, almost as if in a meditative state, to reduce the gag reflex.

Be sure to drink plenty of tap water. The fluoride in the water can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It will not harm you or your developing baby.

Avoid sugary drinks, as well as diet soda. Eat a healthy diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Remember, you are eating for two.

Try to eat at least 4 servings of calcium-rich food, such as milk and milk products. (A 250mL glass of milk is one serve.) Calcium can be essential for your baby’s teeth and bones.

Chew sugarless or xylitol-containing gum 2 to 3 times a day. This will increase your saliva flow, which naturally bathes your teeth.

Rinse your mouth out with tap water between meals.

Tips for Morning Sickness

If you have morning sickness or if you vomit, rinse your mouth out with a mixture of water and baking soda. This will help to neutralize the acid. Smear some fluoride toothpaste on your teeth to further protect against the acid. If possible, wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth after vomiting. This will give the enamel time to recover from the acid attack.