A research study published in 2014 showed that the prevalence of gum disease (gingivitis) in pregnant women ranged from 30% to 100%. A different research study published in 2019 determined that 40% of women had clinical gingivitis. Yet another research study (published in 2020) determined that 23.7% of the participating women had dental caries.
One thing we can pick from these 3 studies is that a large number of pregnant women are struggling with their oral health. To help women avoid dental cavities, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and even bad breath during pregnancy, Straight Teeth Invisible has created a detailed guide on how to handle dental health when pregnant.
Why Should Pregnant Women Take Their Oral Health Seriously?
According to a study published in 2016, the prevalence of periodontal disease in pregnant women sits between 10% and 74%. A different research study published in 2015 shows that 18% of all preterm low-birth-weight cases are attributable to periodontal disease.
Another research study published in 2021 determined that women with periodontitis had a 6 times higher risk of giving birth to premature babies compared to women who did not have periodontal disease. A research study published in 2010 determined that premature and low-birthweight babies are 40 times more likely to die during their neonatal period.
According to an article published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information, preterm babies have a higher risk of suffering from major neurodevelopment impairments like mental retardation and cerebral palsy. What’s more, premature babies may have poor visual-motor functioning, reduced math abilities, deficiency in attention skills, and poor gross motor functioning.
6 Vitals Tips to Help Pregnant Women Improve Their Oral Health
1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
One of the best things a pregnant woman can do to maintain her oral health is to visit her dentist. While visiting the dentist twice per year may be enough for the regular person, a pregnant woman may need to visit the dentist more often – say, once every three months.
During your dental visit, let your doctor know that you are pregnant. If your dentist knows that you are pregnant, he/she will take the necessary precautions to ensure all procedures are comfortable and safe for you and the unborn child.
Regular dental appointments will give you access to professional cleanings and will help you catch oral health problems – like dental cavities, tooth decay, and gingivitis – early enough.
2. Have a Healthy Dental Maintenance Routine
Good oral hygiene is extremely vital during pregnancy. To minimize the build-up of plaque on your teeth, be sure to clean your gums and teeth at least twice per day. Brush in the morning after enjoying your breakfast and brush again at night just before going to bed. Also, floss at least once every day.
Some pregnant women often find themselves gagging while using their toothbrushes. If brushing your teeth makes you feel sick, consider using a small-headed toothbrush with soft bristles. When brushing the teeth in the back of your mouth, concentrate on breathing to reduce your risk of gagging.
To ensure maximum protection for your teeth, be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste. Strengthening your enamel, fluoride toothpaste can help you avoid cavities.
3. Drink Fluoridated Tap Water
The fluoride in your tap water will also help you strengthen your teeth, helping you avoid tooth decay. The fluoride in toothpaste and water will not harm your child.
4. Consume Calcium-Rich Foods
Calcium is vital for bones and teeth. What’s more, when you are pregnant, you will be sharing the calcium in your body with the baby growing inside your womb. For this reason, you should consume more calcium.
The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends 1,300 mg of calcium per day for pregnant women between the ages of 14 and 18 years. Pregnant women between the ages of 19 and 50 years need to consume 1,000 mg of calcium per day.
Some of the best sources of calcium include:
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
Sardines
Salmon
Vegetables like Chinese cabbage, broccoli, and kale
To get maximum benefits from calcium, be sure to raise your vitamin D levels. A research study published in 2012 showed that vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption.
Research shows that the sun is the best source of vitamin D. A study published in 2010 determined that exposure to sunlight for just 13 minutes at midday during the summer, three times per week, is enough to maintain healthy vitamin D levels in adults.
Other good sources of vitamin D include:
Oily fish – such as mackerel, herring, sardines, and salmon
Egg yolks
Liver
Red meat
5. Take Precautions to Keep Morning Sickness from Impacting Your Oral Health
Morning sickness is often accompanied by vomiting or heartburn (gastric reflux). When you vomit or have reflux, stomach acid may coat your teeth. The acid may dissolve your enamel and cause dental erosion – this may increase your risk of sensitive teeth and tooth decay.
To reduce the risk of tooth damage, rinse your mouth with water after vomiting to wash the acid away. Next, smear your teeth with fluoride toothpaste to add a protection layer.
After vomiting, wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. This will give your enamel enough time to recover.
6. Find Healthy Ways to Deal with Food Cravings
When pregnant, a large number of women often crave foods that affect their oral health negatively – these could include sugary and acidic foods and drinks. To avoid consuming foods that accelerate enamel erosion and tooth decay, do the following:
Stick to snacks that are low in sugar and fat and high in fiber.
Drink tap water instead of sugary drinks.
Rinse your mouth with tap water between meals to discourage yourself from snacking.
Amaze Your Newborn with a Perfect Smile: Straighten Your Teeth with Invisible Teeth Aligners
As a mom-to-be, you may want your baby to become accustomed to healthy and aesthetically appealing teeth. However, while the dental maintenance tips we have provided above will work well for your oral health, they won’t be enough if you have misaligned or crooked teeth.
Luckily for mums who wish to fix their crooked teeth, Straight Teeth Invisible has the experience and tools women need to improve their smiles. Using transparent teeth aligners, the orthodontists at Straight Teeth Invisible will not just give you a better-looking smile – they will also make oral health routines like brushing and flossing easier for you.
When you book your FREE e-consultation today, Straight Teeth Invisible will assign a specialized orthodontist to your case immediately. The orthodontist will help you understand how teeth straightening works.
Together with the orthodontist, you will explore different solutions, including dental braces and invisible teeth aligners. Helping you understand the pros and cons associated with each option, the orthodontist will help you choose a solution featuring maximum benefits.
The orthodontist will help you prepare for the orthodontic treatment, install invisible teeth aligners, and work with you until the orthodontic treatment is complete. By the end of the treatment, the orthodontist will ensure your teeth are perfectly aligned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some of the oral health problems that pregnant women face?
Pregnant women face a range of oral health issues, including:
Tooth erosion – Vomiting, which is often caused by morning sickness, puts women’s teeth in contact with stomach acid. This can cause enamel erosion.
Pregnancy tumors – Pregnancy tumors are not cancer. These are lumps that form on the gums. They are usually red and tend to bleed easily. The lumps are generally caused by excess plaque.
Loose teeth – High levels of estrogen and progesterone can loosen the bones and tissues that keep the teeth in place. This may loosen the teeth.
Gingivitis – This is a form of gum disease that causes inflammation. The inflammation is characterized by swelling and redness.
Cavities – These are generally small damaged zones on the teeth surface.
With proper teeth maintenance and regular dental checkups, pregnant women can avoid the issues mentioned above.
What are some of the signs and symptoms that indicate a pregnant woman is having dental problems?
Some of the signs that show a pregnant woman is having oral health issues include:
New spaces between the teeth.
Bad breath.
Lumps and sores on the gums.
Receding gums.
Loose teeth.
Toothaches.
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