Pregnancy and Your Dental Health

Did you know that being pregnant can make your teeth and gums need more care? Your baby needs you to have a healthy mouth. This guide will help you keep your smile safe while you wait for your little one to arrive.

Why Your Mouth Changes During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, your body makes more hormones. These hormones make your gums more puffy and red. This is called pregnancy gingivitis.

Big Facts About Pregnancy and Teeth:

• 6 to 7 out of 10 pregnant women get swollen gums

• Morning sickness can hurt your teeth by bringing up acid

• Untreated gum problems might lead to early birth

• Only 2 to 3 out of 10 pregnant women see the dentist when they should

Common Dental Problems When Pregnant

1. Pregnancy Gingivitis

This is when your gums get red, puffy, and bleed when you brush. It happens to most pregnant women.

2. Enamel Erosion

If you have morning sickness, the acid from being sick can wear away your tooth enamel. This makes your teeth weak.

3. Pregnancy Tumors

These are not as scary as they sound! They are just bumps that grow on your gums. They go away after your baby is born.

4. Loose Teeth

1 in 4 pregnant women feel like their teeth are loose. This is because hormones make the things that hold your teeth in place get softer.

Why Good Dental Care Matters for Your Baby

Bad gum disease can affect your baby. Studies show that moms with gum disease have a higher chance of:

• Having a baby too early

• Having a baby that weighs too little at birth

• Getting high blood pressure during pregnancy

How to Care for Your Teeth While Pregnant

Daily Cleaning Routine

1. Brush your teeth two times each day

2. Use a soft toothbrush

3. Floss between all your teeth once a day

4. Use toothpaste with fluoride

Need the right tools for good oral care? Check out quality dental care products for your daily routine.

After Morning Sickness

If you throw up:

• Do NOT brush right away

• Mix 1 spoon of baking soda with water

• Rinse your mouth

• Wait 30 minutes, then brush

Food Choices for Healthy Teeth

Eat these foods:

• Milk, cheese, and yogurt (for calcium)

• Nuts and leafy greens (for vitamin D)

• Crunchy fruits and veggies

Avoid these foods:

• Candy and sweets

• Soda and juice

• Sticky snacks

Dealing with pregnancy cravings for sweets? Try xylitol gum to help keep your teeth safe.

When to See the Dentist

Many pregnant women worry about going to the dentist. But it is safe and important!

Best Times for Dental Work:

• Regular checkups: Any time during pregnancy

• Cleanings: Any time during pregnancy

• Fillings and problems: Best during the middle three months

For professional dental cleanings during pregnancy, find a gentle ultrasonic scaler that your dentist might use.

What About X-Rays?

Dental X-rays are safe when you are pregnant if:

• They use a shield over your tummy

• They are only taken when really needed

Modern dental X-ray machines like digital X-ray systems use very low radiation and are safe with proper protection.

Dental Treatments That Are Safe During Pregnancy

Safe Treatments:

• Teeth cleanings

• Cavity fillings

• Root canals (when you have a very bad toothache)

• Tooth pulling (if needed)

Treatments to Wait On:

• Teeth whitening

• Cosmetic work

A study showed that getting dental care during pregnancy lowered the chance of early birth by 23%!

Warning Signs: When to Call the Dentist Right Away

Call your dentist right away if you have:

• Bad toothache

• Swelling in your mouth or face

• Gums that bleed a lot

• A bump on your gum that hurts

• Loose teeth

Don't wait! Getting help for dental infections is safer than letting them get worse.

After Your Baby is Born

After you have your baby:

1. Schedule a dental checkup

2. Get any dental work you put off during pregnancy

3. Continue good brushing and flossing

4. Don't share spoons or cups with your baby (this can pass cavity-causing germs)

Medicaid and Dental Care

Many states give pregnant women dental coverage through Medicaid. Check what your state offers. The CDC says good dental care should be part of all pregnancy care.

Questions People Ask a Lot

Q: Is it safe to get dental work when pregnant?

A: Yes! Not fixing dental problems can be more risky than getting them fixed.

Q: Can my gum disease hurt my baby?

A: It might. Gum disease has been linked to early birth and low birth weight.

Q: How do I stop morning sickness from hurting my teeth?

A: Rinse with baking soda water after being sick, then wait 30 minutes to brush.

Q: Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I'm pregnant?

A: Yes, this is common because of hormone changes. But you still need to brush and floss gently each day.

Q: Can I get my teeth cleaned during pregnancy?

A: Yes! Teeth cleanings are safe and help prevent gum disease.

Main Things to Remember

1. Pregnancy hormones make your gums more likely to get red and puffy

2. Brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly

3. Tell your dentist you are pregnant

4. Dental treatments are safe with the right care

5. Good oral health helps keep you and your baby healthy

Helpful Resources

• American Dental Association (ADA): Information on pregnancy and dental care

• Your state Medicaid office: Information on dental coverage

• Your dentist: Your best source for personal dental advice

Need a special dental chair for comfort during your pregnancy? Some dental offices use comfortable dental chairs designed for pregnant patients.

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Remember: A healthy mouth helps make a healthy baby. Take care of your teeth and gums now for a great start to your little one's life!