Pregnancy is very special time. You will want to think about taking good care of yourself and getting your baby’s life off to a healthy start. Your oral health is an important part of your overall health, and good oral health habits not only help prevent oral problems during pregnancy, they also affect the health of your unborn child.
- Is there a connection between my diet, pregnancy, and my oral health?
- Does a woman lose calcium from her teeth during pregnancy?
- What if I’m hungry between meals?
- Does pregnancy affect my gums?
- What are "pregnancy tumors"?
- What can I do to keep my mouth healthy during pregnancy?
1. Is there a connection between my diet, pregnancy, and my oral health?
It is necessary to maintain a balanced, nutritious diet to provide the correct amounts of nutrients to nourish you and your baby. What you eat during the 9 months of pregnancy impacts the development of your unborn child. Your baby’s teeth begin to develop between the 3rd - 6th months of your pregnancy, so it is important that you receive sufficient amounts of calcium, protein, phosphorous, and vitamins A, C, and D, so that your baby can develop healthily.
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2. Does a woman lose calcium from her teeth during pregnancy?
It is not true that calcium from a mother’s teeth is lost during pregnancy. The calcium your baby needs is provided, not by your teeth, but by your diet. If your dietary calcium intake is inadequate, however, your body will be forced to provide calcium from your bones. An adequate intake of dairy products or a calcium supplement will help assure that you maintain healthy levels of calcium throughout your pregnancy.
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3. What if I'm hungry between meals?
During pregnancy, many women feel the urge to eat between meals. While this is a normal desire, frequently snacking on carbohydrates can be an invitation to tooth decay. Plaque, an invisible, sticky layer of harmful bacteria, forms on the teeth. The bacteria converts sugar and starch that are not brushed away into acid that attacks tooth enamel. The longer sugars are left in your mouth, the longer the acids attack and the more chance there is of tooth decay developing.
You should eat well-balanced, nutritious meals that consist of foods from each of the 5 major food groups: breads, cereals, and other grains; fruits; vegetables; meat, fish, poultry, and protein alternates; and milk, yogurt, and cheese. Resist the urge to snack constantly, but when you need a snack, choose smart foods that are nutritious for you and your unborn baby, such as raw fruits/ vegetables or dairy products.
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4. Does pregnancy affect my gums?
During pregnancy, your body’s hormone levels rise considerably. We recommend more frequent cleanings during your 2nd trimester or early 3rd trimester to help you avoid problems such as gingivitis which is especially common during the 2nd to 8th months of pregnancy. Gingivitis can cause red, puffy, tender gums that bleed when you brush your teeth.
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5. What are "pregnancy tumors"?
Overgrowths of gum tissue, called “pregnancy tumors,” can occasionally appear on the gums during the 2nd trimester. These growths are usually found between the teeth and are generally considered to be related to excess plaque. They bleed very easily and are characterized by a red, raw-looking surface. They can be surgically removed once your baby is born. If you experience pregnancy tumors, please call us.
It is especially important to maintain good oral health during pregnancy, as severe periodontal (gum) disease may increase your risk for pre-term delivery. If you notice any changes in your mouth during pregnancy, please call us.
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6. What can I do to keep my mouth healthy during pregnancy?
Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and clean between your teeth daily with floss in order to prevent decay or gum disease. We will be happy to teach you how to brush and floss correctly, and we always suggest looking for products that display the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
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