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How does pregnancy
affect my teeth and gums?
How does gum disease develop?
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Am I also at a greater risk for tooth decay?
How can I avoid tooth decay and gum disease?
Should I tell my dentist that I’m pregnant?
When do my baby’s teeth
start developing?
How should I care for my infant’s teeth and
gums?
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When you’re pregnant, what you do to take care of your own
health, including your oral health, affects the health of your developing
baby. In addition, hormonal changes in your body during pregnancy
can increase your chances of developing gum disease.
So while you are pregnant, it is especially important to practice
good oral hygiene, which means brushing and flossing every day,
eating a healthy, balanced diet and continuing to make regular
dental visits.
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How does pregnancy affect my teeth and gums?
Pregnancy causes hormonal fluctuations that increase your risk for
gingivitis. The changing
hormone levels in your body can make your gums more sensitive to
harmful plaque—the colorless, sticky film of bacteria that
constantly forms on teeth. Furthermore, if you already have signs
of gum disease, being pregnant may make it worse. This is why it’s
vital to pay more careful attention to your daily brushing and flossing
routine to keep plaque under control. |
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How does gum disease develop?
Plaque is one of the main causes of gum disease. If plaque is not
removed by daily brushing and flossing, it will accumulate on the
teeth and below the gumline, which can lead to gingivitis—the
first stage of gum disease.
If ignored, gingivitis can progress to a more serious form of gum
disease called periodontitis,
in which the gums and bones that support your teeth and keep them
in place are permanently damaged. |
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How do I know if I have gum disease?
As many as 70% of women have some form of gum disease during pregnancy,
so watch out for these warning signs:
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Your gums are
tender, swollen, or red |
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Your gums bleed when you
brush or floss |
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You can’t get rid
of bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth |
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Am I also at a greater risk for tooth
decay?
Yes. Sugary food cravings and morning sickness may make you more
vulnerable to developing cavities.
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How can I avoid tooth decay and gum
disease?
Here is a checklist for keeping your teeth and gums properly cleaned:
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Brush thoroughly
at least twice a day, preferably in the morning and before
bed.("What
is the best way to brush my teeth?”) |
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Use a good quality, soft-bristled
toothbrush. |
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Take your time. You should
spend at least two minutes brushing to remove the plaque that
is constantly forming on your teeth. |
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Use toothpaste that contains
fluoride. Fluoride is proven to help prevent cavities. |
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Clean between teeth daily.
Use floss or other interdental cleaners to remove plaque from
areas that your toothbrush can’t reach.(“How
should I floss?”) |
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Eat a healthy balanced diet,
rich in calcium – these are especially good for developing
teeth and bones. |
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Avoid frequent sugary snacks. |
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Continue to visit your dentist
and hygienist for regular checkups. |
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Should I tell my dentist that I’m
pregnant?
As soon as you believe that you are pregnant, tell your dentist
because it may not be safe to have x-rays during pregnancy. You
should also let your dentist know if you are trying to get pregnant:
knowing this can help in planning x-rays or other treatments. Tell
your dentist what medicines you are taking and if your physician
has given you any specific medical advice, as it may affect the
treatment given.
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When do my baby’s teeth start
developing?
Your baby’s first teeth will begin to develop about three
months into your pregnancy. The healthier your diet is, the greater
the likelihood that your baby’s teeth and gums will be healthy
too.
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How should I care for my infant’s
teeth and gums?
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Even before
your baby’s first tooth appears, you should be cleaning
his or her mouth after feeding. Use a damp washcloth or piece
of gauze to wipe the gums – this will remove any plaque
that has formed. |
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You should start brushing
your baby’s teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush as
soon as the first one appears. The Oral-B
Stage 1 toothbrush is ideal for babies' first teeth and
gums. |
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Take your baby to the dentist
sometime between the arrival of the first tooth and his or
her first birthday. At this time, the dentist will check your
child’s teeth, gums and jaw for any problems and show
you the right way to clean and care for your child’s
teeth. |
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