Pregnancy is an exciting and wonderful time.  A woman who is expecting will want to think about taking good care of herself and getting the babies life off to a good start.  Oral health is an important part of a person’s overall health and good oral health habits not only help prevent oral problems during pregnancy, they also affect the health of the unborn child.

 How does pregnancy affect my mouth?

Expectant mothers experience elevated levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.  These hormones cause an exaggerated response by the gums to the bacteria found in plaque.  If the plaque isn’t thoroughly removed, it can cause gingivitis – red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed.  This “pregnancy gingivitis” affects most pregnant women to some degree, and generally begins to surface in the second trimester.  If someone already has gingivitis, the condition is likely to worsen during pregnancy and can lead to a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis.

Occasionally overgrowths of gum tissue called “pregnancy tumors” (pyogenic granuloma) appear.  They are usually painless localized growths or swellings that are typically found between the teeth and are believed to be related to excess plaque.  Although they are not cancerous, they should be treated.  They will usually subside shortly after childbirth, but in some instances they must be surgically removed.

 Does a woman lose calcium from her teeth during pregnancy?

It is a myth that calcium is lost from the mother’s teeth and “one tooth is lost with every pregnancy”.  The calcium the baby needs is provided by the mother’s diet, not her teeth.  It is true though that many women do lose teeth after having children.  The fact is that pregnant women are more susceptible to dental disease than non-pregnant women because pregnancy induces a host of physical changes in the mouth.  Unfortunately, along with the increased risk factors, many pregnant women avoid going to the dentist.  The pregnancy itself doesn't necessarily cause moms to lose their teeth, but the pregnancy may be used as an excuse to postpone visits to the dentist.

 Could oral problems affect my baby’s teeth?

New research suggests a link between pre-term, low birth weight babies and gingivitis.  Excessive bacteria, which cause gingivitis, can enter the bloodstream through your gums.  If this happens, the bacteria can travel to the uterus, triggering the production of chemicals called “prostaglandins”, which are suspected to induce premature labor.

 Should I receive dental treatment while I am pregnant?

Good oral health care is vital during pregnancy.  Regular dental cleanings and examinations should be continued to avoid oral concerns.  Often dentists will recommend more frequent oral hygiene appointments while a woman is pregnant.  The first trimester, the stage of pregnancy in which most of the baby’s organs are formed, is the most crucial to the baby’s development, so it is best to have necessary procedures performed during the second trimester to avoid risk.  Dental treatment that isn’t urgent should be postponed until after the child is born.

The glorious wonder of a new child is one of the most exciting times of life.  It will forever change the life of the expectant parents.  Despite the joyous disruption a baby brings to a woman's life, it is important the mother take time to attend to her dental health.  Her mouth and her baby will both appreciate it!