Congratulations on your pregnancy! This is a joyous occasion and soon you will have a new addition to your family who will need dental care in the future. However, it’s important for moms-to-be to take care of their own oral health because oral health and pregnancy affect each other in ways that increase risks that can be harmful to both mother and child.
At Orthodontic Excellence in Bellevue WA, we care about all of our patients, but we take special care of pregnant patients because of the additional oral health risks. That’s why we offer more information for expecting mothers below.
How Is Oral Health Affected By Pregnancy?
You may not have previously known, but oral health has an impact on your overall health. This is especially true of oral health and pregnancy because of rapidly changing hormones, dietary cravings, morning sickness, and more. The next nine months can have a significant impact on your teeth. Pregnant women are at increased risk of developing cavities and gum disease according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Pregnancy And Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious problem that demands immediate attention. Pregnant women are 75 percent more likely to develop gum disease so it’s important to know the signs and symptoms so you can recognize the problem early on and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Some of the common signs of gum disease include red and swollen gums, bleeding gums, and even loose teeth and jaw bone loss. Teeth can even fall out if gum disease is advanced enough. The most dangerous problem gum disease can cause is an infection, which threatens the health of both the expecting mother and the baby. Infection poses a threat because it can spread to other parts of the body, including the heart.
Because gum disease has been linked to poor pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and low birth weights, pregnant women should seek immediate care if they see signs of gum disease.
Pregnancy And Cavities
Cavities may not seem like something to worry about, but pregnant women should be concerned and seek immediate care since cavities can become more serious problems that affect your health and the health of your baby. Pregnant women have a higher risk of cavities and 25 percent of pregnant women have an untreated cavity.
Cavities are holes that form from tooth decay caused by acids and sugars on teeth that weaken the enamel. The growth of bacteria from cavities is cause for concern because this bacteria can pass from mother to child after birth, making them more susceptible to cavities and additional health risks as well. So, don’t wait to seek treatment for a cavity. Make an appointment with your dentist and get that cavity filled.
Can I Get Braces While Pregnant?
You can absolutely get braces during your pregnancy! Braces are an orthodontic treatment that straightens your teeth over a period of time between 15 to 18 months or more. But there are some recommendations that pregnant women should keep in mind.
The best time for a pregnant woman to get braces is after the first trimester. This bypasses the time period when morning sickness is most common and allows you to adjust to your new braces routine prior to the birth of your baby. We also recommend not getting braces if you are close to your due date. Braces will require changes to your lifestyle, and that can be especially difficult and frustrating when you have a new baby to care for at the same time you are adjusting to treatment.
Ask Dr. Megha Anand if Invisalign might be right for you instead since it requires little to no changes to your lifestyle.
Do I Have To Worry About My Medication?
Any medications, if any, that Dr. Anand prescribes for you are safe for you and your baby. This includes local anesthetics to numb an area of your mouth, over-the-counter pain medications, and antibiotics to fight infections, decrease inflammation, and alleviate pain. If you still have concerns or questions, feel free to ask Dr. Anand or your regular medical doctor.
Should I Inform My Orthodontist About My Pregnancy?
Informing Dr. Anand that you are pregnant is best so that she can keep an eye on your oral health throughout the next nine months via additional appointments. This will help spot problems such as cavities and gum disease early before they become major problems.
In addition, you and Dr. Anand may elect to avoid traditional x-rays in favor of alternative imaging techniques.
In What Other Ways Can Pregnancy Affect My Oral Health?
Pregnancy hormones can cause general swelling and inflammation as well as looser teeth that are unrelated to gum disease. You can even develop swelling between teeth known as a pregnancy tumor that is harmless and will go away on its own.
Does Morning Sickness Damage Teeth?
Morning sickness can harm teeth and braces because of stomach acid. This is why Orthodontic Excellence recommends waiting until after the first trimester to get braces. The stomach acid weakens your tooth enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to cavities.
What Can I Do To Maintain My Oral Health During Pregnancy?
Pregnant women can reduce their oral health risks at home by rinsing thoroughly after bouts of morning sickness and brushing their teeth afterward. We also recommend eating a healthy diet and avoiding sugary foods and drinks whenever possible. Food cravings will make this difficult, but if you do eat sugary or acidic foods, just be sure to clean your teeth by brushing and flossing. Be sure to schedule dentist appointments and teeth cleanings as well.
Prevention is just as important as awareness.
Contact Orthodontic Excellence Today!
Dr. Anand and the Orthodontic Excellence team want all of our patients to have the best care possible, including expecting mothers. We are here to provide the extra support your teeth and gums need during this time. To make an appointment or to learn more, call our Bellevue office at 425-747-6335 or our Newcastle office at 425-747-4944 today!
