Problems with teeth and gums during pregnancy: common oral health issues

It's common knowledge that hormones are in turmoil during pregnancy, but did you know that the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can also affect your teeth and gums? Women experience a drastic increase in progesterone and oestrogen levels, which is up to 10 to 30 times higher than in normal cycles! This hormonal surge affects the tissue that supports the teeth (gums, periodontal ligament, cementum and alveolar bone). This is why it is common for dental issues and gum problems such as bleeding gums, gingivitis, caries or periodontitis to develop during pregnancy. In this article, we will explore this subject in more detail, explain how to take care of teeth during pregnancy and highlight the importance of good oral hygiene and regular dentist visits for pregnant women.

What are the most common gum problems or issues you can have during pregnancy?

If you’ve never had problems with your gums and suddenly during pregnancy they are bleeding, swollen or uncomfortable, don't worry. It's completely normal as hormonal changes can directly cause issues with your gums during pregnancy. Below we outline some of the most common gum problems that women face during pregnancy.

GIngivitis: gum swelling during pregnancy

One of the most common oral health issues during pregnancy is gestational gingivitis, which is a form of gum inflammation and swelling. Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, the gums become more susceptible to plaque build-up and, as a result, can lead to swelling, redness and bleeding. It is important that if we have swollen and tender gums, we treat them with extra care. If a rigorous oral hygiene routine is not maintained, gingivitis in pregnancy can progress to a more serious condition: periodontal disease.

Bleeding gums as a sign of pregnancy

Bleeding gums are a common sign of pregnancy. The increased blood supply to the mucous membranes of the mouth during pregnancy increases blood flow to the gums, making them prone to swelling and bleeding.

Sore gums during pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy, especially in early pregnancy, can cause painful gums in most women. The extra blood flow to the gums can make them more sensitive (even toothbrushing or flossing can cause pain). In addition, swollen gums are more susceptible to minor injury and any routine activity such as eating can cause micro-injury. Therefore, if you’re experiencing sore gums while pregnant, especially if they´re painful during early pregnancy, a visit to the dentist is recommended to prevent more serious issues.

Periodontal disease or periodontitis during pregnancy

Periodontitis is a serious infection affecting the tissues supporting the teeth that can lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis, most commonly known as periodontal disease, can be related to gingivitis during pregnancy or to previous pathologies. In other words, if the woman already had periodontal disease or a gum infection before pregnancy, it is very likely to worsen during this period of pregnancy.

In any case, it is vital to carry out dental treatment during pregnancy to ensure that periodontal disease does not worsen.

What happens to teeth during pregnancy? Typical dental issues and problems that can affect teeth

Now we’ll explain how being pregnant can affect your teeth and what happens to teeth during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, teeth also suffer from many dental issues and problems as a result of hormonal changes, dietary changes and other conditions associated with pregnancy. Below, we highlight the most common dental health problems during pregnancy and explain how the teeth are affected by these changes.

Cavities and tooth decay during pregnancy

Tooth decay and cavities are some of the most common dental health problems suffered by women during pregnancy. The main causes of tooth decay during pregnancy are usually related to three factors:

1. Vomiting and gastric reflux experienced by pregnant women, especially during the third trimester, cause teeth to be exposed to stomach acid which thus causes tooth enamel to erode.
2. Cravings during pregnancy often mean an increased intake of sugary foods and therefore an increased risk of tooth decay.
   
3. The hormonal changes mentioned above cause plaque to accumulate more easily around the gums.
   

Toothaches and sensitive teeth during pregnancy

Another common issue that many can face during pregnancy is aching and sensitive teeth. In fact, there is a well-known myth that sensitive, aching teeth are a symptom of pregnancy as the baby takes calcium from the mother's teeth. However, it has been proven that babies do not actually reduce calcium levels in the teeth, as they get this from their mother's milk.

However, teeth that are more sensitive than normal or an increased number of toothaches are indeed symptoms of pregnancy which stem from the drastic hormonal changes that pregnant women undergo.

Losing teeth during pregnancy

Another myth that needs to be debunked relates to teeth falling out during pregnancy. The phrase "gain a child, lose a tooth" is commonly used, referring to the legend that babies steal calcium from their mother’s teeth, but, as we have already pointed out, this is totally false.

However, losing teeth during pregnancy should be a cause for concern, as it could indicate advanced periodontitis when teeth may start falling out.

Inflammation of the gums, the alveolar bone, and the tissue that supports the teeth, known as advanced periodontitis, poses a serious risk to oral health. It can cause teeth to fall out, especially during pregnancy.

Dental care during pregnancy: how to take care of teeth and prevent losing them

If you're wondering how to care for your teeth during pregnancy to prevent problems such as losing teeth, remember that maintaining good oral health requires numerous types of dental care such as:

• Dental hygiene, including brushing your teeth, flossing and using mouthwash.
• Regular visits to the dentist so that they can detect problems at an early stage and for deep cleanings to remove plaque and tartar.
  
• A balanced diet with low levels of sugary foods.
  
• Effective management of morning sickness. It is important to rinse the mouth after getting sick to neutralise the stomach acid in the mouth.
  
• Avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol in pregnancy to take care of teeth and for the overall health of both the mother and baby.
  
• Use of supplements. It is recommended to consult your dentist about the possibility of taking fluoride supplements at this stage.
  
• Drinking plenty of water. Maintaining good hydration ensures adequate saliva production, which helps protect teeth and gums.
  

It is important for pregnant women to work closely with their dentists and doctors to ensure that they receive adequate dental care for themselves and their babies during pregnancy.

Is it safe to have dental treatment during pregnancy?

Yes, it is safe and necessary to have dental treatment during pregnancy for the health of both mother and baby. Below we provide further information on how to take care of your teeth and gums during pregnancy:

• Treatment for gingivitis: If you want to know how to treat swollen gums during pregnancy, you should know that using an antibacterial mouthwash is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. Another treatment for gingivitis during pregnancy is a professional cleaning. Professional cleanings remove a large amount of plaque and are therefore very effective remedies for sore gums during pregnancy.
• Treatment for bleeding gums in pregnancy: Brushing teeth gently, flossing, mouth rinses with salt water and regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings are all ways in which you can alleviate bleeding gums during pregnancy.
  
• Treatment for sore gums in pregnancy: If you’re wondering how to treat sore and swollen gums during pregnancy, you can find gels and toothpastes which are made specifically for sensitive gums.
  
• Treatment for periodontal disease or periodontitis in pregnancy: Root planing and scaling, rinses with warm salt water, and consultation with the dentist to rule out infection are recommended. Specific antibiotics may be necessary and you should ensure you follow up with your dentist to closely monitor your periodontal disease.
  
• Treatment of cavities during pregnancy: Dental fillings, using toothpaste with fluoride, dental sealants and a low-sugar diet can help keep cavities away in pregnancy.
  
• Treating toothaches and sensitive teeth in pregnancy: You should visit your dentist so that they can identify the cause of the pain or sensitivity, to find out if it is a symptom of tooth decay or another infection. For pain management, you should contact a professional to find out which medication is safe to use during pregnancy.
  
• Combat teeth falling out in pregnancy: You should have a check-up with your dentist so that they can determine what is causing tooth loss. They can also outline replacement options such as temporary bridges or partial dentures, and help you plan for a more permanent treatment post-partum.
  

Can you develop bad teeth and gum problems after pregnancy?

While we’ve already discussed the oral health issues that can arise during pregnancy, here we’ll outline the ways in which people can develop bad teeth or gum problems after being pregnant.

Postpartum teeth problems are an uncomfortable experience and can be caused by a number of factors. Hormonal changes may continue for several months after childbirth, which can affect the overall oral health. Women may also experience changes in diet and dental hygiene habits due to the demands of taking care of their baby, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. Therefore, it is important for women after pregnancy to maintain good dental hygiene, visit the dentist regularly and monitor their diet to prevent oral problems.

Another problem which can arise postpartum is teeth grinding. Stress and lack of sleep associated with caring for a newborn can lead to bruxism (teeth grinding), which can also cause tooth and jaw pain.

Take care of your teeth with Impress

If you want to take care of your teeth with Impress and start one of our clear aligner treatments, remember that your diagnosis should be done before or after pregnancy. The treatment itself is fully compatible with pregnancy as long as the diagnostic scans and x-rays have been done beforehand.

And if you want to prevent oral health problems, you can also find professional dental hygiene appointments at all of our clinics. Find your nearest Impress clinic and book a free oral evaluation online. If you prefer to talk on the phone, contact us by WhatsApp or call us on +44 20 3808 1072.