Affordable Dental Care »
Your Health » Dental Care in Pregnancy
Dental Care in Pregnancy
by Community Dental Staff Dentist
You were forewarned about swollen ankles but surprised by swollen gums. You knew
there'd be blood tests but didn't expect bleeding when you brushed your teeth. Pregnancy
means a lot of changes and additional responsibilities that you were expecting:
prenatal check-ups, dietary restrictions, ultrasound exams, shopping for new clothes
and baby gear, and child-proofing the home. But there are some for which you may
have been unprepared, such as the possibility of getting cavities or losing your
teeth.
Prenatal care should include dental care, as oral health is an intimate part of
general health, and this is especially so for the pregnant patient. Unfortunately,
few women will see a dentist during the gestation period, and oral health assessments
are not routinely included in prenatal visits. Undoubtedly, the most important thing
a pregnant woman can do for her baby is to take good care of herself, and so, as
part of her care, she should have a dental exam.
Dental care in pregnancy—why it's time for more, not less
Routine care of your teeth in pregnancy is much the same as it is when you're not
pregnant—but even more important because it helps to protect both your health
and that of your unborn child. Here are the basics:
- Floss every day before you brush.
- Brush twice daily (after every meal if possible) with a fluoride-containing toothpaste.
- Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to reduce bacteria.
- See a dentist for a thorough oral health evaluation.
Throughout pregnancy, the hormonal changes that occur can make gums swollen and
sensitive, as during this time the oral cavity is more susceptible to plaque accumulation
and bacteria. This is often manifested as pregnancy gingivitis (swelling
and inflammation of the gums). If left untreated, this condition can progress to
periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in
adults. It can worsen blood sugar control, which can further complicate gestational
diabetes. Gum disease may also be linked to increased risk of preterm labor,
but further research is needed to identify this possibility.
Pregnant women may also be at an increased risk of cavities due to certain dietary
changes, namely small but frequent high-carbohydrate meals. In addition, persistent
nausea and vomiting can lead to acid erosion of tooth enamel, and up to 5% of pregnant
women will experience a pyogenic granuloma (referred to as pregnancy tumor),
which is a benign lesion that most commonly presents on the gum, and can interfere
with chewing. These conditions can add to the discomforts of pregnancy and negatively
affect the mother's health, thus they need to be identified and treated by a dentist.
Dental disease that is left untreated can result needlessly in pain and infections.
In an attempt to find relief, a mom-to-be may self-medicate with potentially unsafe
over-the-counter medicines. A mother's poor oral health can interfere with her nutritional
intake, and after delivery, increases the child's chance of having Early Childhood
Caries (ECC). If you have ever noticed blood (red) on your toothbrush,
on your food, or in your saliva; your teeth seem to have shifted position or become
loose; you use any tobacco products; or it has been more than two years since you
have seen a dentist, you are especially at risk—even if you don't feel any
dental pain.
All pregnant women should have a dental evaluation, and Community Dental welcomes
such new patients. Routine preventive care including radiographs and certain other
dental treatments can be safely provided throughout pregnancy.
Community Dental—Gentle, Safe, and Affordable Dental Care Before, During,
and After Pregnancy
Our approach is to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes preventative,
restorative, and maintenance services by appointment. We accept most dental insurance
plans, MaineCare, and walk-in emergencies for those experiencing dental pain. A
referral from your physician is not needed, but we are happy to provide consultation
forms for health care facilities, and we work in conjunction with your prenatal
care provider to provide the best complete care. We treat all ages, so your whole
family, including the newest addition, can become established patients with us (children
should see a dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth or by
their first birthday, whichever occurs first).
Don't allow common misconceptions about oral health care during pregnancy to prevent
you from accessing this important aspect of your overall health.
Give us a call—we have several locations throughout the state and look forward to your visit!
Biddeford
207-282-1305
|
Farmington
207-779-2659
|
Lewiston
207-777-7442
|
Portland
207-874-1028
|
Rumford
207-369-3600
|
Dental Care in Pregnancy—References
and Reading Materials
Principal Author: Community Dental Staff Dentist
Date Last Modified: October 7, 2011