Pregnancy + Childbirth
Keep your mouth clean and healthy during pregnancy
If you're pregnant, you have a lot on your mind. It can be easy to let dental health slip.
But a pregnant woman needs to be as healthy as possible. This includes the health of your mouth.
You still need to keep up with brushing and flossing. Further, you may experience increased dental health concerns during pregnancy and childbirth.
Highly recommended:
see your dentist while you're pregnant
When you find out your pregnant, schedule a dental visit. Let your dentist know you're expecting. You'll want to work together to make sure your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible.
Visit your dentist for a cleaning sooner rather than later. You don't want to risk oral infection. Periodontal infections can be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes like low birth weights. You might require more frequent cleanings or other increased measures to treat a periodontal infection.
If you experience a problem in your mouth while pregnant: don't wait. See your dentist immediately.
Your dentist can take an x-ray to check for an oral problem while you're pregnant. A single x-ray using a lead shield over your belly and neck is safe.
It's also safe to have many dental procedures while pregnant. For example, fillings should be fine.
Women who need a tooth extraction can probably have this procedure while pregnant. In most cases, a lidocaine injection for tooth removal is an acceptable choice. For post operative pain, a pregnant woman can't have Ibuprofen, but Tylenol is often a good alternative.
If you need an antibiotic, your dentist or oral surgeon can consult with your OB/GYN. If you have an infection, you don't want it to spread.
Some women will get pregnancy tumors in their mouths. Pregnancy tumors are a reaction from hormones. They can be painful or embarrassing, but they're usually not harmful.
You can have your dentist remove pregnancy tumors. Otherwise, they'll often go away on their own after delivery.
To this day, you'll still hear myths and misinformation about what women can and can't do while pregnant. But seeing a dentist can help keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.
If you have concerns about going to the dentist while pregnant, have your dentist consult with your OB/GYN. You'll probably feel relieved to know that seeing your dentist while pregnant is a good idea for both you and your baby-to-be.
How can morning sickness affect dental health?
Many pregnant women get morning sickness...and not just in the morning. Over time, the stomach acid in your mouth from repeated vomiting can seriously weaken your tooth enamel.
Weak tooth enamel can make your teeth feel more sensitive. Since enamel defends your teeth against decay, you're also more likely to get cavities.
If you suffer from morning sickness, keep these four tips in mind:
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Don't brush your teeth right after vomiting. Rinse your mouth with water, then wait 30 minutes before brushing.
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Consider using a mouth rinse with fluoride. Fluoride can help strengthen your enamel. Stronger enamel can protect you from acid erosion.
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Switch your toothpaste. Some women feel nausea from the mere smell of strongly flavored toothpastes. Switching to a less intense flavor may help.
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Chew sugar-free gum (or suck lozenges) with Xylitol. Xylitol can stimulate saliva production, denature the harmful effects of bacteria, and create a healthier mouth environment.
If you're concerned about the effects of morning sickness on your teeth, let your dentist know. Schedule a visit if you feel you need a more rigorous approach to combat enamel erosion.
Delivery dilemmas:
some women scream, but other women clench!
You have a lot going on during delivery. Your teeth are probably the last thing on your mind.
But what if you're the kind of person who clenches your jaw or grinds your teeth during stressful situations? If you've been diagnosed with bruxism (grinding teeth), it may be worth having a dental appliance made to put over your teeth during delivery.
You can have your dentist fit you with a mouth guard. You can even buy one over- the-counter and fit it to yourself.
Your delivery may be so stress-free, you'll never need your mouth guard. But if biting, clenching, or grinding are ongoing issues for you: it's good to have a mouth guard in your go bag -- just in case.
Pass good mouth bacteria on to your baby
Post-delivery, both you and your baby will want to get some well-deserved rest. You wouldn't go to bed with a bottle in your mouth - and neither should your baby.
Milk has sugar in it. When it rests on the teeth or gums, it can set the stage for tooth decay. Start your baby out right by making sure there's no bottle in the mouth while sleeping.
Of course, you'll want to cover your newborn baby with kisses. But remember, if you're sick or have a cold sore on your mouth - this is not a great time to kiss your baby! Make sure you're only passing on good bacteria from a clean and healthy mouth.
Keep up with your oral hygiene and continue to chew gum with Xylitol. Your good dental practices will help you pass healthy bacteria -- and healthy habits -- to your growing child.
