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Pregnancy and Your Oral Health

When you are pregnant, it is very important to maintain a clean healthy mouth. Being pregnant does not damage your teeth unless you neglect them.

By taking care of your mouth and teeth, most dental diseases associated with pregnancy can be avoided. It is important to brush and floss daily, see your dentist regularly, and eat a proper diet.

SOME DENTAL DISEASES TO AVOID ARE:

CAVITIES: There is no evidence that pregnancy causes dental decay. Your risk of developing cavities may increase if:

  • your teeth are neglected
  • severe morning sickness and vomiting cause acid erosion of the inside surfaces of your teeth
  • you fail to obtain professional care

PREGNANCY GINGIVITIS: Often occurs when mildly inflamed gums become worse during pregnancy caused by not brushing and flossing regularly. Occurs in about 65 to 75% of all pregnant women. It is a result of increased response to plaque due to hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy.
Characterized by:

  • swollen puffy gums that bleed when brushed or flossed
  • dark reddish gingiva around one or more teeth
  • appearing at end of first trimester and continues until delivery of baby

PREGNANCY TUMORS: A.K.A. Pyogenic Granulomas
May be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy.

  • local irritation with an exaggerated inflammatory response
  • red spherical masses, usually painless, may bleed easily
  • commonly occurs after birth, but if persists, is necessary for surgical removal

DENTAL CARE IS ESSENTIAL DURING PREGNANCY

1ST Trimester - treatment limited because of morning sickness, but professional care and proper brushing and flossing are important.

2ND Trimester - safest time to perform necessary treatment, talk to your physician about anesthetic.

3rd Trimester - follow up on home care and evaluation of gum tissue. Treatment may be difficult because of your increased physical discomfort. Teeth may become slightly mobile.

X - RAYS: ONLY ESSENTIAL ONES OF ANY PROBLEM AREAS, BEING SURE TO WEAR LEAD SHIELD

Only if essential. Be sure to ask for and wear a lead shield.

REMEMBER TO:

  • BRUSH AND FLOSS DAILY
  • EAT A WELL BALANCED DIET
  • EAT HEALTHY SNACKS
  • OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL CARE

DuPage County Health Department
Dental Health Services Unit
630 682-7979 Extension 7776