So, you are excited about the big news and you have a list of things to prepare before your little bundle of joy arrives and of course, dental care is the last thing you would think of. But dental care during pregnancy and after your little nugget arrives maybe more important than you think.
One of the effects of raging hormones during pregnancy is that your gums get very tender, swollen and bleed easily – commonly known as pregnancy gingivitis.
Many women also experience morning sickness that may make it almost impossible to brush teeth. These factors, if not addressed on time, may cause irreversible long-term damage to your teeth, supporting gums and bone structure that surround your teeth- a condition known as periodontitis, which can lead to premature loss of teeth. In addition, sweet cravings and frequent snacking during pregnancy attracts acid-loving bacteria, increasing acid production which in turn weakens tooth enamel and increases the risk of dental cavities.
To prevent dental problems, it is advised to brush at least twice a day and floss teeth once daily. Flossing once a day, preferably before bedtime, is essential as it is the only way to remove food debris and bacteria trapped in between your teeth.
If morning sickness is keeping you from brushing, try switching to non-flavored tooth paste or brush after a light meal.
Similarly, limiting snacking on sweet food, switching to healthy fiber rich food and drinking lots of water is beneficial not only for your teeth but for your baby too. If you experience a sudden toothache ache during your pregnancy, or your gums are very sore and bleeding a lot, it is advisable to set up an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Avoid over-the-counter medications as it may harm the developing baby. Although routine dental treatment and x-rays are avoided during pregnancy, it is important to understand that emergency dental treatment with limited x-rays wearing protective screens is considered a lot safer than leaving the dental problem/ infection untreated.
Child’s Oral Health
After the baby is born, it is never too early to take care of the child’s oral health. Before their teeth erupts, wiping the gums with a moist gauge or wash cloth at least once a day not only cleans the gums but prepares the child for future brushing. The child is at risk of cavities once the tooth erupts. To promote a healthy oral health of the child, parents should avoid putting the child to bed with milk or formula. Filling bottles with sweetened drinks need to be avoided and should be replaced with plain water instead. Parents should also avoid sharing saliva with the baby by using the same utensils as this can transfer cavity-causing bacteria from the parent to the baby. As the teeth erupt, parents should start brushing their baby’s teeth with a baby size soft toothbrush. A tiny rice grain amount of baby-friendly toothpaste can be smeared and wiped off after brushing.
Regular dental visits once the teeth erupt not only detects early cavities but tracks your child’s overall oral development. In addition, regular dental visits help the child familiarize with the environment and as the child grows, it reduces dental phobias and anxiety. Studies have shown that people with dental anxiety tend to have serious dental issues due to regularly avoiding dentists. Setting up a dental routine early on is key to your child’s healthy smile.
Writer details:
Prerana Singh is a practising dentist based in Houston, Texas. She graduated with DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) from Indiana University in 2019 and received her BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) in 2011 from SDM college of Dental Science, India. She is passionate about spreading oral health awareness and believes prevention is better than cure. Besides dentistry, she enjoys travelling and fashion. She and her husband welcomed their first baby in December 2020.
