Teeth and gum problems during pregnancy: how to care for oral health

It’s well-known that pregnancy causes significant hormonal changes, but did you know these changes can also impact your teeth and gums? During pregnancy, levels of progesterone and estrogen surge to 10 to 30 times higher than usual. This hormonal increase affects the tissues that support your teeth, including your gums, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. As a result, during pregnancy, women are more likely to experience dental issues and gum problems such as bleeding gums, gingivitis, cavities, and periodontal disease. In this article, we'll dive deeper into these effects, offer tips for maintaining oral health during pregnancy, and emphasize the importance of good oral hygiene and dental care for expectant mothers.

What gum problems are most common during pregnancy?

If you’ve never had gum problems before but are now experiencing bleeding, swelling, or discomfort during pregnancy, don’t be alarmed. These symptoms are quite common and are often caused by hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Below, we outline some of the most frequent gum problems that women encounter during this time.

Gingivitis and swollen gums during pregnancy

A common oral health issue during pregnancy is gingivitis, which causes gum inflammation and swelling. Due to hormonal changes, many women experience a build-up of plaque on the gums during pregnancy, which can make them swollen and red.

It's important to take extra care if you have swollen and tender gums during pregnancy. Without a consistent oral hygiene routine, pregnancy gingivitis can develop into a more serious condition called periodontal disease.

Are bleeding gums a sign of pregnancy?

A common sign of pregnancy is bleeding gums. The increased blood flow to the mouth's mucous membranes can cause the gums to swell and bleed more easily.

Sensitive and sore gums during pregnancy

Hormonal changes and increased blood flow during pregnancy can lead to sore gums, especially in early pregnancy. Many women find that their gums hurt during pregnancy, even with routine activities like toothbrushing, flossing, or eating. Sensitive and swollen gums in pregnancy make them more prone to minor injuries. If you find that your gums hurt during pregnancy, particularly in early pregnancy, it’s important to see a dentist to prevent more serious issues.

Periodontal disease in pregnancy

Periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues supporting the teeth that can lead to tooth loss. This condition can be linked to pregnancy gingivitis or pre-existing gum issues. If women have periodontal disease or a gum problem before pregnancy, it may get worse during pregnancy.

Therefore, it's crucial to receive dental care during pregnancy to prevent periodontal disease from progressing.

Teeth problems and dental health issues during pregnancy

Here we’ll explain how pregnancy can affect your teeth and what changes occur in your dental health during this time. Pregnancy can lead to several dental issues due to hormonal fluctuations, changes in diet, and other pregnancy-related conditions. Below, we outline the most common dental health problems that can occur during pregnancy and how these changes impact your teeth.

Does pregnancy cause cavities? Understanding how they form during pregnancy

Tooth decay and cavities are common dental health issues that many women face during pregnancy. So, does pregnancy cause cavities? There are many side effects of pregnancy that can cause cavities to form:

1. Vomiting and gastric reflux during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, expose teeth to stomach acid, leading to enamel erosion.
2. Pregnancy cravings often result in increased consumption of sugary foods, which increases the risk of cavities during pregnancy.
   
3. Hormonal changes make plaque buildup around the gums more likely, contributing to tooth decay.
   

Understanding these factors can help women manage and prevent cavities during pregnancy.

Toothaches while pregnant

Another common oral health issue during pregnancy is experiencing dental pain and sensitive teeth. There’s a myth that these symptoms occur because the baby takes calcium from the mother’s teeth. However, it's been shown that babies don’t actually deplete calcium levels in their mother’s teeth; they get their calcium from the mother's milk instead.

Sensitivity in teeth or toothaches while pregnant are actually related to the significant hormonal changes that women go through. These hormonal shifts in pregnancy can make you more prone to dental pain and discomfort.

Is losing teeth common during pregnancy?

Another myth that needs to be debunked is the idea that teeth falling out is common during pregnancy. The saying "gain a child, lose a tooth" suggests that babies take calcium from their mother’s teeth, but this is completely false.

However, if you experience tooth loss during pregnancy, it should be a cause for concern as it might indicate advanced periodontitis. Advanced periodontitis is a serious condition that affects the gums, the supporting bone, and the tissue around the teeth, and it can lead to teeth falling out if left untreated, especially during pregnancy.

Dental care during pregnancy: how to protect your teeth and prevent losing them

If you want to know how to protect your teeth during pregnancy and prevent losing them, follow these dental care practices:

• A dental hygiene routine which includes brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash.
• Effective management of morning sickness. After vomiting, you should rinse the mouth with water to neutralize the stomach acid in the mouth.
  
• Regular dental visits for detecting problems at an early stage and for professional cleanings to remove excess plaque and tartar.
  
• Avoiding habits such as drinking alcohol and smoking during pregnancy to take care of dental health and for the overall health of both the mother and baby.
  
• A healthy and balanced diet with limited sugary foods.
  
• Drinking plenty of water. Good hydration keeps the mouth moist and ensures adequate saliva production, which helps protect teeth and gums.
  
• Use of supplements. You should consult with your dentist about the possibility of taking fluoride supplements at this stage.
  

Pregnant women should collaborate closely with their dentists and doctors to ensure they receive the necessary dental care for both their health and that of their baby.

Is it safe to have dental treatment while pregnant?

Yes, dental treatment in pregnancy is not only safe but essential for the health of both mother and baby. Below we’ll give further information on dental treatments you can have while pregnant:

• Treatment for gingivitis: If you're wondering how you can treat swollen gums during pregnancy, antibacterial mouthwash can help you maintain good oral hygiene. Another effective treatment for gingivitis during pregnancy is a professional dental cleaning. These cleanings remove a significant amount of plaque, making them a great remedy for sore gums during pregnancy.
• Treating bleeding gums in pregnancy: Flossing, brushing your teeth gently, using salt water to rinse your mouth, and regular professional dental cleanings can all help with bleeding gums during pregnancy.
  
• Treatment for sore gums during pregnancy: If you’re looking for ways to treat sore and swollen gums during pregnancy, consider using gel and toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive gums.
  
• Treatment for periodontal disease in pregnancy: Rinsing with warm salt water, root planing and scaling, and consulting with your dentist to rule out any infection are recommended. Specific antibiotics may be needed, and it's important to follow up with your dentist regularly to closely monitor your periodontal disease.
  
• Treating cavities during pregnancy: Fluoride toothpaste, dental sealants and fillings, and a low-sugar diet can help prevent cavities while you're pregnant.
  
• Treatment for toothaches and sensitive teeth during pregnancy: Visit your dentist to determine the cause of the pain or sensitivity, whether it’s due to tooth decay or another type of infection. For pain relief, consult a professional to find out which medications are safe to use while pregnant.
  
• Preventing tooth loss during pregnancy: Schedule a check-up with your dentist to identify the cause of tooth loss. They can discuss replacement options, such as temporary bridges or partial dentures and help you plan for more permanent treatments after childbirth.
  

Can dental issues develop after pregnancy?

While we’ve already covered the oral health issues that can occur during pregnancy, it's also important to understand how dental issues can develop after pregnancy. Postpartum dental and gum problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, can be quite uncomfortable and stem from several causes. Hormonal changes may persist for several months after childbirth, affecting overall oral health. Additionally, changes in diet and dental hygiene habits, often due to the demands of caring for a newborn, can increase the risk of tooth decay and postpartum gum problems.

To prevent these issues, it's crucial for women to maintain good dental hygiene, visit their dentist regularly, and monitor their diet after pregnancy.

Another postpartum dental problem that can arise is teeth grinding, otherwise known as bruxism. The stress and lack of sleep associated with caring for a newborn can lead to bruxism, resulting in tooth and jaw pain.

Looking after your teeth with Impress

If you're interested in taking care of your teeth with Impress and starting one of our clear aligner treatments, please remember that your diagnostic scans and X-rays should be completed either before or after pregnancy. The treatment itself is completely safe during pregnancy as long as the necessary diagnostics have been performed in advance.

Additionally, to help prevent oral health problems, all of our clinics offer professional dental hygiene appointments. Find your nearest Impress clinic and schedule a complimentary consultation online or by phone at 888.490.1421.