Pregnancy is an important time in every mother’s life. Recent studies have shown that pregnancy causes changes in the mouth and how you look after your teeth can affect your baby’s health as well as your own.
Myth 1: “You lose a tooth for each child”
The myth that a woman will lose a tooth during pregnancy is attached to the belief that a mother loses calcium from her teeth and bones during pregnancy because the developing baby needs the nutrients. This is not the case! The loss of teeth through pregnancy is completely PREVENTABLE.
Of course, late night cravings are an issue increasing the sugar attacks to the teeth. Brushing twice a day and after a late night snack with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush can help neutralize these attacks.
Increasing tap water and having a balanced diet whilst avoiding soft drinks and sticky snacks can help the teeth repair. Smoking is also not recommended during pregnancy.
Myth 2: ‘’You should not visit the dentist while you are pregnant”
Regular visits to the dentist are important in maintaining healthy teeth AND gums. Pregnancy hormones change the blood supply to the gums and can cause irritation when there is plaque present. The hygiene regime at home should be at its best!
Hygiene visits are important to keep the teeth and gums clean while providing extra tips on changing brushing technique or using different methods to clean in between the teeth. Gum disease in a severe form may increase the risk of:
· Premature (preterm) births and low birth weight
· Pre-eclampsia (toxaemia)
· Pregnancy diabetes (gestational diabetes)
Dental treatment in the second trimester is the best time for both you and your baby, although regular cleans are recommended through the entire pregnancy.
Keeping your teeth clean will reduce decay-causing bacteria in the mouth and you will be less likely to pass these bacteria to your child. These bacteria can cause ‘Early Childhood Caries’ (tooth decay in children)
Myth 3: “You should brush your teeth after morning sickness”
Morning sickness is commonly experienced through the first and second trimester causing nausea and vomiting. Brushing your teeth immediately after vomiting can cause a lot of damage to the teeth due to the acidic quality of the stomach gastric acids.
After vomiting you should:
· Rinse your mouth with water or mouth wash
· Smear a bit of toothpaste over your teeth with your finger
· Do not brush your teeth while the enamel surface is soft due to the acids (do not brush for at least half an hour)
At Concord Dental Practice we aim to make your visit as comfortable as possible for both you and your baby!