Four weird things that can affect your dental health when you’re pregnant

As if pregnancy didn't put your body through enough unusual changes already, many women also experience some strange happenings when it comes to their teeth too. According to Dr Naty Berlinschi of MyDental Clinic, preventive dental cleanings and annual exams during pregnancy are not only safe, but recommended. Here's why: The rise in hormone levels during pregnancy causes the gums to swell, bleed, and trap food causing increased irritation to your gums. Yikes. The safest course of action is to postpone all unnecessary dental work until after the birth. However, sometimes emergency dental work such as a root canal or tooth extraction is necessary. "If dental work is to be done during pregnancy, the second trimester is ideal." says Dr Naty. "Once you reach the third trimester, it may be very difficult to lie on your back for an extended period of time. Elective treatments, such as teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, should be postponed until after the birth. It is best to avoid this dental work while pregnant and avoid exposing the developing baby to any risks, even if they are minimal." So, what are the dental issues most commonly encountered during pregnancy? Tooth decay: "During pregnancy, increased acidity in the mouth increases the risk of tooth decay." says Dr Naty. "Vomiting during pregnancy can aggravate the problem by exposing the teeth to more gastric acid. Always rinse out the mouth with water after morning vomiting. Cavity fillings and crowns should be treated to reduce the chance of infection. Loose teeth: Increased levels of progesterone and estrogen can affect the ligaments and bones that support the teeth, causing teeth to loosen during pregnancy — even in the absence of gum disease. However, pregnancy does not automatically damage your teeth. The old wives’ tale that warns a woman to expect a lost tooth for every baby is false. If the mother’s intake of calcium is inadequate during pregnancy, her bones – not her teeth – will provide the calcium her growing baby needs. This calcium loss is quickly made up after breastfeeding is stopped. Gum disease: The hormonal changes of pregnancy can lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the superficial gum tissue. Left untreated, severe gum disease may be associated with preterm birth and low birth weight. Many women experience bleeding gums during pregnancy. Also, you may notice that your gums and teeth are more sensitive than before. That’s because your mouth is not immune to the havoc that your pregnancy hormones can create. The shift in your hormones increases the blood flow to your gums, and it can cause them to become more sensitive and irritated. As a result, your gums may swell or bleed after you brush your teeth. The increased level of pregnancy hormones in your body can also change how your body responds to bacteria. This can make it easier for plaque to build up in your mouth, leading to cavities and other dental problems. Gingivitis: You also become more susceptible to gingivitis during pregnancy. If you have pre-existing gingivitis, it can worsen. Gum changes can start to appear around the end of your first trimester, or after the second month of pregnancy. Fortunately, your gums will go back to normal after you deliver your baby. To prevent gingivitis and gum disease during pregnancy, it is very important that you continue to practice good oral health, including brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis. Can I take antibiotics during pregnancy? Dental work often requires antibiotics to prevent or treat infections. Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin, which are labelled category B for safety in pregnancy, may be prescribed after your treatment. What about X-rays used in dental work?  Routine X-rays, usually taken during annual exams, can usually be postponed until after the birth. X-rays are necessary to perform many dental procedures, especially emergencies. According to the American College of Radiology, no single diagnostic X-ray has a radiation dose significant enough to cause adverse effects in a developing baby. Tips for Dental Care during Pregnancy

• Let your dentist know you are pregnant
• Eat a balanced diet, brush teeth thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and floss daily
• Have preventive exams and cleanings during your pregnancy
• Postpone non-emergency dental work until the second trimester or until after delivery, if possible
• Elective procedures should be postponed until after the delivery
• If you have morning sickness, rinse your mouth with a solution of baking soda and water after vomiting. Mix one teaspoon baking soda in one cup water.

Dr Naty can be contacted at MyDental in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. For more information, call (01) 667 3556 or click here.