The Feedback Loop of Pregnancy, Oral Health, and Fetal Development

Anyone who’s ever been pregnant will tell you that everything changes during those nine months. Pregnancy is hard on the body, and that includes the mouth. At Beckham Square Family Dental, we’re committed to supporting the oral health of our pregnant patients. In addition to vitamins and regular visits to the obstetrician, proper prenatal care also includes vigilant oral care.

Pregnancy leaves women more susceptible to dental problems that may be associated with adverse outcomes, such as low birth weight. To get ahead of these issues, it’s okay to see your dentist a couple of extra times for extra cleanings and checkups, based on your individual needs.

Complications in Dental Health for Mom

Some complications women can experience in their dental health during pregnancy are inherent, but others stem from poor dental care. Lifestyle factors such as fatigue and being super-busy can lead to nights when flossing, brushing, or both are skipped.

Too many missed brushing and flossing sessions can increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Furthermore, giving in to pregnancy cravings, whether it’s fruit, a sugary drink, potato chips, or snack cakes, can be harmful to your teeth and gums, especially if you’re also skipping regular at-home dental care.

Besides maintaining regular dental hygiene, it’s important to be aware of other pregnancy-related issues that affect dental health:

• Hormonal changes, besides altering eating habits, leave you more susceptible to developing gingivitis, periodontitis, and cavities. It’s estimated that up to 80% of women experience gingivitis during pregnancy, particularly in the first and second trimesters.
• Morning sickness exposes your teeth and gums to stomach acid. Avoid brushing your teeth for 30 minutes after vomiting because the acid has already softened the enamel. Swishing with water and drinking water throughout the day can help mitigate this risk to your teeth.
• High levels of estrogen can cause temporary bone problems, including loose teeth.
• Pregnancy often causes non-cancerous, though uncomfortable, tumors or overgrowths of gum tissue.
• Some pregnant people experience gum bleeding or sensitivity, even if they haven’t had these issues before.

How Mom’s Oral Health Affects Baby

Just as pregnancy affects the mom’s oral health, the mom’s oral health affects the baby, during fetal development and even in the child’s early life:

• Periodontitis (gum disease) is linked to lower birth weights and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
• Kids of moms with untreated dental issues like cavities or gum disease during pregnancy are 3 times more likely to develop dental problems of their own.
• Harmful bacteria in the mother’s mouth can pass to the fetus, increasing the risks of premature birth. Excessive bacteria in the mouth can also affect a newborn’s health.

Taking Care of the Two of You

Like many other pregnant patients we see at Beckham Square Family Dental, you want your little bundle of joy to enter the world in the best possible health. One of the best ways to start your pregnancy off on the right foot, oral health-wise, is to get a dental cleaning at a local practice as soon as you know you’re pregnant. That way, you start the nine months with a thorough dental exam and a fresh mouth.

During pregnancy, it’s important to monitor your dental health with X-rays, oral exams, and cleanings. While you shouldn’t undergo unnecessary procedures, you can still receive dental treatment for urgent problems. Make sure to let your dentist know what you’re eating, what you’re doing for dental care at home, and which medications you’re taking.

As soon after birth as possible, especially if you’ve had oral health issues during pregnancy, see your dentist again. Make sure you get any dental treatment you need so you don’t pass harmful mouth bacteria to your newborn, such as through utensils.

We know pregnancy is a stressful and exhausting time, even as you happily anticipate the arrival of your newest family member. There’s no shortage of advice from others on breastfeeding, attachment parenting, and sleep-training, and other such topics. But make sure you heed this advice from Beckham Square Family Dental: Even if you’re tired, don’t forget to take care of your teeth and gums. It’s just as important for your baby as it is for you.