A healthy mouth as much as a healthy body during pregnancy is important for not only a mother, but also her growing baby. Many of Dr. Messina's pregnant patients have had questions about the safety of aspects of their dental visit, such as the use of x-rays or local anesthetic. The good news? The routine imaging and dental treatments in our practice are safe throughout pregnancy. This month on the blog let's clarify some dental related issues to watch for, so you and baby stay healthy all pregnancy long.
Dental problems that pregnant people should watch for include
▪Gum disease
▪Cavities
▪Enamel erosion
Gum Diseases
Hormones released during pregnancy can affect your gums in several ways, including gingivitis, overgrowths, and periodontal disease.
Gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can cause your gums to become sensitive or even swell up a bit. They may bleed when you brush, floss, or try to clean between your teeth with a toothpick. Because of the inflammation of the gums, it may be difficult to keep your teeth clean when you have gingivitis. To reduce the risk of gingivitis, it is important to take good care of your teeth every day (see Taking Care of Your Teeth at Home).
Overgrowths. Sometimes during pregnancy, the soft tissues in the mouth may develop a lump or overgrowth. This usually involves the gum tissue but can occur in other places like the tongue or cheeks. These overgrowths may be called pregnancy tumors, but they are not cancer. In most cases, they go away after pregnancy. If you have questions about anything you see in your mouth, Dr. Messina is available to evaluate.
Periodontitis. Periodontal disease is a more involved inflammation of the gums and underlying bone. In this type of gum disease, bacteria and bits of food build up below the gumline and start to attack the tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. With periodontal disease, you may notice bleeding or a feeling that your teeth are loose, or you may have no symptoms at all. A dental visit to our practice will allow Dr. Messina and Rachel to check the health of your teeth and gums. If you have periodontitis, our practice can provide a deep cleaning under the gumline.
Cavities
Pregnant people also are at higher risk of developing cavities. This is probably caused by changes in diet, but can also be related to changing hormones as well as nausea experienced by some pregnant women. Cavities are caused by the thin layer of bacteria that builds up on teeth. This is called plaque and is perfectly normal. However, when you eat and drink, the bacteria in this plaque produce an acid that can eat away at the enamel on your teeth, causing cavities. You can reduce this risk with good, daily oral care (see Taking Care of Your Teeth at Home). If you think you may have cavities, come on in and we'll have Dr. Messina take a look to get a definitive diagnosis.
Erosion
Erosion is the loss of the hard outer layer of your teeth, known as enamel, due to acids coming from the stomach or foods that dissolve the enamel.
During pregnancy, those who have reflux or vomit often can be at risk of erosion. You can reduce your risk of erosion by limiting snacks and drinking water rather than acidic drinks like juices and sodas. You may be tempted to brush your teeth immediately after vomiting, but your enamel may be soft, and brushing could damage it. Instead, rinse your mouth with plain water or a baking soda rinse consisting of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of water.
Taking Care of Your Teeth at Home
To care for your teeth at home during pregnancy:
▪Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes, using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Gently brush all sides of each tooth, making small circles along the gumline.
▪Clean between your teeth once per day, using floss, tiny brushes, or floss holders. Talk to Dr. Messina or Rachel if you need help choosing a product or learning to use it properly.
Conclusion
During pregnancy, you are at higher risk of developing gum disease and cavities and potentially damaging the enamel of your teeth. Our team is available to partner with you to improve your oral health and keep your mouth healthy throughout pregnancy. Give us a call at (303) 666-4260 or stop on by our practice in Louisville, Colorado and it will be our pleasure to care for you!
We write a blog post every month to keep our patients and our community updated on important dental topics, so be sure to check back here often! And don't forget: we love your questions! We welcome discussion of these blog topics or anything you're curious about. Our patient family is the best part of our practice, and we are grateful for you!