There’s so much focus on the baby’s growth and development during pregnancy that often mothers can feel a bit left out. Of course, it goes without saying that without her significant contribution, the baby would not be capable of survival.
The more obvious pregnancy changes tend to absorb the most attention – enlarging belly, gait change, fluctuating emotions. But it’s worth remembering that during pregnancy, there’s a lot going on in a mother’s mouth as well, which is playing a crucial role in both her own and her baby’s health - it’s just not so noticeable.
What does the research say?
- Sound oral hygiene during pregnancy has long been overlooked as a major contributor to good outcomes.
- It’s important for all of us to have good oral hygiene practices. If you’re thinking about conceiving, see your dentist for a general check-up and address any urgent problems before becoming pregnant.
- Babies born to mothers with severe gum disease can be born premature (before 38 weeks) or have a low birth weight. Both of these create their own unique range of complications.
- One of the reasons for prematurity is intrauterine infection. Bacteria can be transmitted vaginally but also through the mouth. If the mother’s gums are inflamed and bleeding because of plaque build up, there is a pathway for bacteria to enter her bloodstream and migrate to her uterus and heart.
- It’s not enough just to look after the teeth during pregnancy; gum health is just as important. Gums provide the “scaffold” for teeth to sit and align properly.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy mean that pregnant women are at increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
- Gum disease may be linked to preeclampsia, but more research is needed to prove the connection. In the meantime it won’t hurt to be careful.
- It is safe to visit the dentist during pregnancy. Just make sure you tell your dentist if you’re pregnant and don’t assume they know.
- Babies aren’t born with the bacteria (mutans streptococci) which cause tooth decay. Most acquire this from their mother before the time they turn three years old. Kissing babies on the mouth, blowing on their food to cool it, sharing pacifiers and letting the baby put their fingers in the mother’s mouth are all common ways to transfer bacteria.
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How would I know if I’ve got gum disease?
Signs to look out for
- Red, bleeding, puffy or inflamed gums.
- Blood on your toothbrush or dental floss.
- Pain in your mouth, in and around your gums.
- Pain when eating and not able to chew food comfortably.
- Changes in the taste in your mouth.
- Visible tooth decay or white patches on your gum lines.
- Bad breath.
10 best tips for oral health
- Drink plenty of tap water. Ideally, tap water is fluoridated which helps to prevent tooth decay.
- Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Make sure you brush along your gum margins and also brush your tongue.
- Be gentle but thorough when you brush. Concentrate on brushing each tooth and give it the time and attention it deserves.
- Use fluoridated toothpaste.
- Stop smoking. Nicotine restricts blood flow and reduces the oxygen supply to the gums. This means that the general health of the gums is impaired and there’s a delay to any healing.
- If you have nausea and are vomiting, always rinse your mouth out with water and wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
- Visit your dentist at least once during your pregnancy and have your teeth professionally cleaned.
- Invest in a good quality, soft bristled toothbrush. When it shows signs of looking worn, replace.
- Drink plain milk and include dairy foods in your diet.
- Limit sweet drinks, energy drinks and sugary foods.
What do I need to do?
- Value the importance of your oral health. Gum disease and tooth decay is linked with a whole range of health problems including Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Don’t prescribe to the old wives tale of losing one tooth for every pregnancy. We’ve moved on from that fallacy.
- Look after your teeth and gums. Pregnancy hormones can change the natural protection qualities of saliva. If you are prone to gum problems, then it will be especially important for you to watch your oral hygiene and make regular visits to your dentist.
- Tell your dentist if you are pregnant. X-rays during pregnancy are not recommended, especially in the first trimester when the baby is forming.
- Drink water if you’re thirsty.
- Chew sugar free gum and mints which contain xylitol, not sugar, but check with your dentist first. Xylitol reduces the levels of mutans streptococci (MS) in plaque and saliva and interrupts the cycle of bacteria + sugar = acid attack on the teeth.
- Don’t give into all of your pregnancy cravings. Think about what they contain and how the nutrients will support you and your baby’s health.
LISTEN: More on the ups and downs of mum life in our podcast, The Juggling Act: