Pregnancy and Your Oral Health
by Crystal Dupay

After practicing dental hygiene for twelve years, I came to realize how many pregnant women were concerned about the old adages surrounding their oral health.

There are many myths and "wives tales" that surround pregnancy. We, in this modern age, consider ourselves enlightened but many times these myths have been passed down for so long that it’s difficult to separate fact from fiction. After practicing dental hygiene for twelve years, I came to realize how many pregnant women were concerned about the old adages surrounding their oral health. I hope to shed some light on what changes pregnant women should actually expect in their oral health and what they can dismiss as simple superstition.

Myth: You will lose a tooth for every child.

Reality: Many times dental problems will be latent until the hormonal changes during pregnancy cause the symptoms to flare up. It’s always a good idea to have a dental check-up prior to becoming pregnant and to have any necessary treatment completed early. But a woman who has always had excellent oral health should not expect any problems to occur due to the pregnancy.

Myth: The developing fetus will take calcium from your teeth.

Reality: Many times cavities will start to appear during pregnancy due to changes in diet or to excessive vomiting due to morning sickness. The acid from throwing up can break down the teeth very rapidly, the back teeth especially. If you find that you are throwing up frequently, be sure to brush well afterward and eat or chew something sugarless to help neutralize the acid.

Myth: The gums get very sore and bleed easily during pregnancy. Bumps or swellings on the gums are just from the hormones and shouldn’t be worried about.

Reality: The hormonal changes of pregnancy can cause your gums to bleed more easily when provoked. That means that if your gums don’t normally bleed when you brush your teeth, they may bleed slightly when you brush during pregnancy. "Slightly" would mean enough that your toothbrush may be pink. If you are seeing more blood than that, plaque is the most likely culprit. Try to brush more often and floss the plaque from around your gums. You should see an improvement.

Anytime a swelling or "bump" occurs on the gums, it should be examined by a dentist. The swelling could be caused by an infection or something even more serious. However, during pregnancy, the most likely culprit is a pyogenic granuloma or "pregnancy tumor". It sounds horrible but it is really nothing more than a swelling caused by hormonal changes and it is usually not painful. If the condition doesn’t resolve itself after your pregnancy, you may want to have it removed.

Myth: You should never have a dental x-ray while you’re pregnant.

Reality: There are instances during pregnancy when a dental problem occurs and a proper diagnosis cannot be made without a dental x-ray. If the symptoms are severe, the risks of allowing a potential infection to go untreated outweigh the risks of a dental x-ray, if proper precautions are taken. Be sure that the dental personnel are aware that you are or may be pregnant. A lead apron will be used to shield you and your developing baby from any radiation. As with any other medical treatment, pregnant women should check with their obstetrician or mid-wife before having a dental x-ray.

To minimize the chance of suffering with an oral health problem during pregnancy, women should have a thorough exam and cleaning prior to conceiving or shortly afterward. Fillings, extractions, or other necessary treatment completed early could prevent bigger problems later. With proper care, good oral health can be an integral part of a healthy pregnancy.

Crystal Dupay is the mother of two daughters, ages 2 and 4, and a registered dental hygienist with twelve years of clinical experience. She co-publishes a web site for mothers called Main Street Mom. You can visit the site at www.mainstreetmom.com

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