Caring for your teeth during pregnancy

Everyone celebrates the joy of pregnancy – how it’s such a beautiful time in your life, when you positively glow and radiate wellness as you patiently await the arrival of your little bundle of joy.

Now, I’m not here to rain on the parade, but as someone who has been fortunate enough to have been pregnant more than once, I understand that there are times when it’s far from a walk in the park.  Between back ache, swollen ankles and crying because there is no milk in the fridge it can all get a little overwhelming, and to top it all off those pesky hormones can have an impact on the health of your mouth.

So, here are some signs to watch out for and some hints and tips to help prevent any issues arising (sorry, we can’t do anything about the swollen ankles and emotional outbursts though!)

Bleeding gums

Pregnancy causes some serious hormonal changes in the body, which can lead to a higher risk of gum inflammation, or gingivitis.  The culprit in this case is progesterone, and pregnancy gingivitis is very common – around 30% of pregnant people will experience inflamed, bleeding gums at some stage. 

However, while it is common, it is important to recognise any such issue, or even prevent it from happening at all, as research has shown that untreated gingivitis  can increase the risk of some complications, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes.

Here are some tips on how to manage gingivitis:

·         Keep up your regular check-ups with your dentist and hygienist – they can keep an eye your oral health and provide the right treatment

·         Brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day.   Be sure to aim the bristles of your brush at a 45 degree angle towards your gums, and brush in small circular motions.  This will help remove any plaque sitting near the gums and reduce bleeding.  Also – don’t be put off brushing of you find your gums bleed, it’s a sign to brush more, just be gentle and avoid using a hard brush.

·         Clean in between your teeth daily.  Brushing alone doesn’t reach the small spaces in between, so plaque bacteria can happily gather in these areas and irritate the gums.  Tepe brushes are really effective and super easy to use.  Dental floss is also great – click here for flossing instructions.

Tooth decay

Unusual cravings during pregnancy are common, and in particular sweet or acidic foods can cause cavities and erode enamel, which can lead to pain.  You can reduce your risk of needing a filling by:

·         Reduce your frequency of sugary foods and drinks – if you really want a sweet treat try and keep it to mealtimes. Ideally, 3 meals plus 1 snack per day will allow your teeth to recover between sugar attacks, even when you aren’t pregnant.

·         Brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste – for adults make sure your toothpaste contains 1400 ppm to be most effective.

·         Visit your dentist regularly – every 6 months – so that any small areas of decay can be treated before they get bigger and cause pain.

Sensitivity

Some people find their teeth become more sensitive while they are pregnant and there can be a few reasons for this.  Morning sickness and cause damage to the enamel of teeth due to them being exposed to stomach acid, stress and hormone fluctuations can cause you to grind and clench your teeth at night, and as we’ve already mentioned inflamed gums, which can lead to sensitivity and discomfort.  Reduce your risk of sensitivity with the following tips:

·         If you do suffer with morning sickness try to avoid brushing your teeth for 30 minutes after you are sick.  This allows any damaged enamel on your teeth to harden up again and you are less likely to do any further damage.

·         Try a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne and use it continually so that it builds up a protective layer on your teeth. 

·         If you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth we can help – jaw exercises and mouthguards can provide relief.

All of these issues are treatable and are often short-term, so please don’t worry if you feel you have been affected by them, just get in touch.  Your oral health is part of your complete health, and now that you have a little one on board it is important to make sure both of you are as healthy as possible.

Congratulations from all the team @ Paste!