Throughout a woman’s pregnancy, many bodily changes will be encountered; however, the changes that occur to her dental health are usually forgotten. Very few women realize that their oral health is linked with pregnancy complications and that failing to maintain dental hygiene during a pregnancy may be harmful.
Hormonal shifts that occur during a pregnancy cause your gums to become inflamed and infections to occur, which in turn lead to pregnancy complications such as premature birth or low birth weight. When you realize your oral health is linked with pregnancy complications, it may be easier for you to take steps that will improve your well-being throughout your entire pregnancy.
Why Is Oral Health Linked with Pregnancy Complications?
Your oral health is linked with pregnancy for many reasons; however, it can all boil down to the fact that the bacteria and inflammation on your gums are not always confined to your mouth. This infection can travel through the blood system or elsewhere and cause other areas in the body to become afflicted. This is where this particular pregnancy complication comes into play: hormonal levels will soar throughout the pregnancy and these increased hormones will cause your gums to be more sensitive to plaque and bacteria, which in turn will cause the following:
- Soreness
- Bleeding when brushing
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Higher chances of having gum disease
How Hormonal Changes Affect Oral Health
The hormones present during your pregnancy (namely, estrogen and progesterone) will increase and this hormone will increase the response that the gum tissue is subject to when exposed to bacteria. It’s the hormones that are increasing within the pregnant body and therefore, during pregnancy, the mouth becomes sensitive and these conditions will develop as a result:
- Increased gum soreness
- Pregnancy Gingivitis
- Increased plague accumulation
- Increased tooth/gum sensitivity
These are just a few of the many reasons why your oral health is linked with pregnancy complications more than people realize. Without proper dental treatment, mild gum irritation can become advanced periodontal disease.
Gum Disease and Pregnancy Risks
The greatest pregnancy complication factor is the link between your oral health and pregnancy. Periodontal disease is a disease of the gums that is far more complex than simply an affliction of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth; it can be spread through the blood system to compromise the pregnancy, therefore making the pregnant woman prone to the following pregnancy complications:
- Premature birth
- Low birth-weight baby
- Increased inflammation during pregnancy
- Pregnancy discomfort resulting from oral infections
While not every dental condition will cause a pregnancy complication, it is highly recommended to keep your gums in optimal health throughout your pregnancy.
Importance of Preventive Dental Care During Pregnancy
Prevention will go a very long way. Regular dentist visits can help catch problems before they become serious and much more problematic. General Dentistry is an important focus during pregnancy because it focuses on:
- Regular checkups and cleanings
- Gums-monitoring
- Cavity detection
These are the simple preventative practices that greatly reduce inflammation throughout your pregnancy.
Is Dental Treatment Safe During Pregnancy?
The biggest fear for many women during pregnancy is whether or not they can receive dental care, when the reality is that most routine procedures can be safely performed throughout pregnancy, especially during the second trimester. Common safe dental procedures include:
- Professional cleanings
- Dental exams
- Basic filling procedures
- Preventative care treatments
When used with appropriate care, the advanced laser dentistry technique is used because it reduces discomfort levels and lessens the necessity for invasive treatment. However, every pregnancy is unique, and a dentist may need to manage care based on individual pregnancy stages.
How Oral Health Affects Daily Pregnancy Comfort
It is not just the health outcomes of pregnancy which oral health effects but everyday pregnancy comfort levels as well. Your oral health throughout pregnancy can cause many everyday discomforts:
- Difficulty eating due to pain
- Sore gums
- Lingering bad breath
- Difficulty brushing due to sensitive teeth
These can make pregnancy less enjoyable. Maintaining good oral hygiene during pregnancy will alleviate much of this discomfort.
Cosmetic Dental Treatments During Pregnancy
Most women will question whether or not they can get their teeth whitened during pregnancy. Cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening will usually have to be pushed off until after pregnancy, unless directed by the dentist otherwise. It’s generally advised that most optional dental procedures, such as veneers or implants, be postponed until after the baby’s birth because managing pregnancy primarily revolves around crucial, preventative procedures.
Orthodontic Care During Pregnancy
Some patients who have begun Orthodontic Care treatment before becoming pregnant will continue treatment during pregnancy; however, their gums will become much more sensitive throughout treatment, so diligent oral hygiene will become very important while you are wearing braces or aligners.
What About Missing Teeth During Pregnancy?
If you are missing teeth, your discussion will revolve around how to approach restorative dentistry and possibly Denver Dental Implants following pregnancy, as most implant work will likely be postponed.
Tips for Maintaining Oral Health During Pregnancy
Since oral health is linked with pregnancy complications, your oral hygiene needs to become a more important aspect of your prenatal care plan. These easy oral habits include:
- Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Foss daily
- Drink plenty of water
- Limit sugary snacks and beverages
- Schedule regular dental checkups
These few daily practices are sure to keep your oral health in prime condition during your pregnancy.
Role of Professional Dental Support
When in doubt about anything related to oral health during pregnancy, always communicate with your dentist. They will be able to detect potential issues and address them, and assist you in planning the perfect pregnancy care plan.
Conclusion
Understanding how oral health is linked with pregnancy complications is key to protecting the health of both the mother and the baby. Hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy are linked to a greater risk of gum disease and inflammation, which could lead to pregnancy complications if left untreated.
Thankfully, dental problems during pregnancy are mostly preventable with good oral hygiene habits, regular dental visits and proactive treatment. Investing in your oral health is not only good for your teeth, but beneficial for a healthy pregnancy as well.
For comprehensive and preventive dental care, talk to your Broadway family dentists about keeping your smile healthy during all stages of pregnancy.
FAQs
Why is oral health linked to pregnancy complications?
Oral problems such as gingivitis and periodontal disease have been found to increase inflammation and bacteria levels in the body, which in turn can contribute to certain pregnancy complications.
Is it safe to go to the dentist during pregnancy?
Routine dental visits, cleanings and treatment are generally considered to be safe throughout pregnancy.
Can pregnancy cause gum problems?
Yes, women often experience heightened sensitivity and inflammation of the gums during pregnancy as a result of hormonal changes.
Should I avoid Teeth Whitening during pregnancy?
For safety precautions, many dentists advise pregnant women to delay Teeth Whitening procedures until after giving birth.