Pregnancy and Oral Health
Recently Answered
-
5 Answers
Make 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.
See All 5 Answers
-
2 Answers
Pregnancy 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.
See All 2 Answers
-
3 Answers
Pregnancy is associated with some minor oral health problems such as gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease that causes gums to be red, tender and sore. The good news is that with good oral care, gingivitis is reversible. 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.
See All 3 Answers
-
2 Answers
Some people may feel that gum disease can cause premature labor. Gum disease, in and of itself, doesn't. However, if you have dental disease, which gum disease is part of, it does cause conditions that can lead to premature labor. So, the feeling is that the better the condition of your teeth and gums when you get pregnant, the less likely you are to go into preterm labor. It is a risk factor, and you should take very good care of your teeth.
See All 2 Answers
-
3 Answers
Some women develop a condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis,” an inflammation of the gums that can cause swelling and tenderness. Your mouth can be affected by the hormonal changes you experience during pregnancy. Your gums also may bleed a little when you brush or floss. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious forms of gum disease. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings to prevent this.
See All 3 Answers
-
2 Answers
If 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.
See All 2 Answers
-
1 Answer
Treating periodontal disease may reduce the risk of premature delivery.
-
1 Answer
During your third trimester, you should tell your dentist if you have had any pregnancy complications up to that point. One of the top concerns during the third trimester is comfort. If you are uncomfortable, tell your dentist. Your dentist may allow you to lie on your left side. This decreases the weight of your uterus on the vena cava, one of the major veins that brings blood back to your heart. If you are too uncomfortable, consider rescheduling the procedure until after delivery.
-
1 Answer
Your mouth contains millions of bacteria at any given time and you will have a higher "bacterial load" if you have periodontal disease, dental caries (tooth decay), or other oral health problems. These bacteria are passed on to your infant by kissing and other contacts with your infant and may predispose your infant to dental caries. This risk can be minimized if you practice good preventive oral health behaviors and receive regular dental care. Some research suggests that the antimicrobial mouthwash chlorhexidine (Peridex) or chewing sugarless gum with xylitol might also help reduce the level of bacteria in your mouth.
-
1 Answer
Dental anesthetics in pregnant women are thought to be generally safe. The anesthetics dentists usually use are lidocaine (FDA category B) or prilocaine (category B). Other anesthetics are less safe, such as mepivacaine and bupivicaine, both of which are both category C and can slow a baby's heart rate. Dental anesthetics are injected into the mouth to deaden nerves and prevent the sensation of pain during procedures. The dentist may use these anesthetics to prevent pain while drilling cavities, performing root canals or extractions, inserting crowns or implants, or for many other procedures.
