Pregnancy - teeth
teeth; tooth; pregnancy; calcium; mercury; amalgam; fillings; x-ray; fluoride; re-mineralisation; dental; plaque; morning; sickness; cleaning; decay; plaque; phosphorus; dentist; pregnant; tetracycline; antibiotics; vomiting; gums ;
Contents
During pregnancy your hormonal balance is altered and your gums may become more easily irritated by dental plaque and can become inflamed and bleed. Pregnancy does not, by itself, cause dental decay.
There is no truth in the old wives' tale that says a tooth is lost for every pregnancy.
Before you become pregnant
- It is important to establish good oral hygiene (care of teeth and gums) now so that when you become pregnant you will have already established a daily routine.
- Dental plaque (bacteria, saliva and remnants of food) needs to be cleaned from the teeth and gum-line by brushing and flossing every day.
Visit your dentist
- It may be more comfortable for you to complete any dental treatment before pregnancy especially as you may have morning sickness, or become tired as your pregnancy progresses.
- If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, it is important to tell your dental professional when you visit.
- During your pregnancy, ask your dental professional to check your gums and advise you further on how to care for them.
- Dentists and doctors are careful in prescribing medicines to pregnant woman and only advise those which are really needed. Some medicines such as tetracycline antibiotics can affect your baby's developing teeth.
Morning sickness
You may have morning sickness (nausea and vomiting during the first term of your pregnancy).
- The stomach contents are acidic and can coat the teeth when you vomit and may dissolve some of the tooth enamel.
- To avoid damage to your teeth after vomiting or gastric reflux don't brush your teeth for at least an hour after vomiting. Instead wipe a smear of fluoride toothpaste over your teeth and rinse with water. This will help wash away the acid and re-mineralise your teeth.
Brushing is important
- To avoid plaque build up it is important to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums twice a day, in the morning after breakfast and last thing at night before going to sleep. Remember, each tooth has five surfaces - a front, back, two sides and a top. The only sure way to prevent dental disease is to clean every surface.
- Gagging can occur while brushing your teeth. If brushing makes you feel sick try using a very small headed brush, such as a brush designed for children, and concentrate on your breathing as you clean your back teeth.
- Brushing without toothpaste may help. Rinse with a fluoride toothpaste and water twice a day but return to brushing with fluoride toothpaste as soon as possible.
Fluoride
- Fluoride strengthens the teeth and helps to prevent decay.
- Fluoride in toothpaste or water does not harm a developing baby.
- Fluoride is found in most toothpastes and your dental professional may recommend you also use a fluoride mouth rinse or have a professional topical fluoride treatment.
What about dental x-rays?
- If possible dental x-rays should be avoided during pregnancy, however if your dental professional considers it essential for you to have an x-ray, special care and protection will be taken, such as a protective lead apron.
If you have cravings for certain foods
- Frequent snacks and drinks, especially sweet ones can increase the risk of dental caries (decay).
- Choose a wide variety of snacks which are low in sugar, fat and salt, and high in fibre.
- Drinking water is recommended.
- Rinse your mouth by having a drink of water if you can't brush your teeth.
Calcium is very important
Calcium is very important for your baby's teeth and bones.
- From four months your baby's teeth and bones begin to calcify. The calcium and phosphorus needed comes from what you eat, and if necessary from your bones. These minerals do not come from your teeth.
- From 7 months your baby needs even more calcium and phosphorous.
These minerals are best obtained by you eating dairy foods.
- Milk and milk products are excellent sources of calcium. Choose those that are low in fat and sugar.
If you don't drink milk or eat dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt, choose other products that are high in calcium (such as soy milk with added calcium).
- See your doctor or dietician for advice. They may recommend calcium supplements.
- Check the packaging of any product you are having. Calcium will be one of the listed contents.
The recommended daily intake of calcium for a pregnant or breastfeeding woman is 1000mg - which is the same amount for other women of the same age.
Teenagers who are pregnant or breastfeeding need more calcium as they are still growing themselves. The recommended daily intake is 1300mg.
Passing decay-causing bacteria on to your baby
- Everybody, except newborn babies, has varying levels of decay-causing bacteria (germs) in their mouth.
- The bacteria are passed from person to person.
- When your baby is born she does not have decay causing bacteria in her mouth.
- As the teeth come through the gum, the bacteria that cause decay are passed to the baby by their carers and family, through kissing, food tasting or by cleaning the dummy in their own mouth.
- Carers, especially mothers, can lower the amount of bacteria passed to their baby by keeping their own teeth and mouth healthy. This can be done with daily brushing and flossing, a diet low in sugars and regular dental visits.
- It is also important to have all your own decay treated so you will have low levels of bacteria.
Is dental treatment during pregnancy safe?
- During pregnancy dental practitioners will ensure that any materials they use will not harm your baby.
- The removal of dental amalgam fillings (containing small amounts of mercury) should be avoided, if possible, especially during the first trimester (three months). However, if treatment is needed, the risk is very small.
- It is best to have the treatment carried out between 4 and 6 months, as the baby's organs have developed.
- You may be more comfortable when lying back in the dental chair, with your right hip raised using a pillow or towel.
Resources
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.