Serious gum disease (periodontitis) may increase the risk lead of premature delivery. It's not understood why this sometimes happens. Pregnant women often have more sensitive gums and teeth. You should make sure that you take extra special care of your oral hygiene. Try switching to a soft or extra soft tooth brush and use an anti-bacterial toothpaste or mouthwash. Of course, consult with your physician and dentist.
Pregnancy and Oral Health
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Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answeredSee All 5 AnswersMake sure you have an oral fixation for at least a few minutes a day to help prevent infections that could spread to your child.- Visit your dentist at least once during pregnancy (and make sure to get regular prenatal care) to reduce the risk of infections. Even better -- visit your dentist twice in the year before you are likely to get pregnant. Remember, since 50 percent of pregnancies are unexpected, this may simply mean visiting your dentist regularly.
- Brush at least twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day.
- Avoid sugary foods (they feed the bacteria and cause a big old plaque build-up) and eat foods that help maintain healthy gums and teeth. They include foods with lots of calcium, Vitamin B12, and vitamin C.
- Rinse your mouth out with water to help counteract any unpleasant taste you may be experiencing from nausea or morning sickness.
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RealAge answeredSome women experience excessive saliva in their mouths during pregnancy, which may or may not be accompanied by nausea. Doctors, dentists, and researchers do not fully understand the reasons for this. It might be related to more circulating blood volume in the pregnant woman's body, or some other hormonal changes during pregnancy might trigger the release of excess saliva from the parotid gland. Some women experience excessive saliva early in the first trimester, and it may not stop until roughly the end the first trimester. -
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 2 AnswersWhat you are describing is known as pregnancy gingivitis, which is very common in women who are expecting. This condition may appear as early as the first trimester. When an increase in hormones can exaggerate the way your gum tissues react to plaque -- the major cause of gum disease. You may notice that your gums bleed a little when you brush or floss. If untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious forms of gum disease, affecting the gums and bone that anchor teeth in place. You can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings during your second or early third trimester to help control gingivitis. If you notice any changes in your mouth during pregnancy, see your dentist. -
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 3 AnswersKeeping up with your oral health can help you avoid any dental problems before or during your pregnancy. It’s important to see your dentist regularly. Being pregnant comes with many responsibilities -- and oral hygiene is no exception. For most women, routine dental visits are safe during pregnancy, but let your dental office know what month you are in when you make your appointment.
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 2 AnswersCurrent guidelines say it is more risky for a pregnant woman to postpone dental treatment than to have a dental x-ray. This is because dental disease not treated during pregnancy can lead to problems for you and your fetus.
Tell your dentist if you are or might be pregnant. If an x-ray is needed, the leaded apron and thyroid collar you wear during x-rays will help protect you and your fetus. -
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 2 AnswersPregnancy is an exciting time for a woman, but don’t overlook your oral health, which can be affected by the hormonal changes you will experience during this time. For example, women are more likely to develop gingivitis during pregnancy, an infection of the gums that can cause swelling and tenderness. Your gums also may bleed a little when you brush or floss. Left untreated, gingivitis can affect the supporting tissues that hold your teeth in place. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings to prevent this.
You should continue to see your dentist during pregnancy for oral examinations and professional teeth cleaning. Tell your dentist that you are pregnant and about any changes you have noticed in your oral health. Good daily care is key to your oral health. To help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, always brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth once a day, eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks. -
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 2 AnswersIf you are pregnant, tell your dentist about any changes you have noticed in your oral health. Many women develop gingivitis during pregnancy so good daily care is the key to your oral health. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings to prevent and/or treat gum disease.
To help prevent gum disease, brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque. Floss daily with an interdental cleaner. Look for oral care products that display the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance so you know that they have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness. -
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RealAge answeredSome antibiotics prescribed for dental procedures are considered safe if you are pregnant, others are not. Relatively safe antibiotics for use in pregnant women include penicillin, amoxicillin, and cephalexin, which are all rated as "category B" by the FDA and may be your dentist's first choice. The antifungal medication metronidazole is also rated B and may be prescribed for thrush. If you are allergic to penicillin, your dentist might give you erythromycin base (not erythromycin estolate) or clindamycin, both of which are also considered category B.
Dentists should avoid using the fluoroquinoline class of antibiotics;also chloramphenicol (rated X), doxycycline (rated D), or garamycin (rated C).