The oral cavity undergoes many changes during these 9 months. It is extremely important to keep the mouth as healthy as possible for the health of the new baby.
Pregnancy hormones can affect the way the body reacts to bacteria, making a pregnant woman more susceptible to infections, especially vaginal and oral infections. Oral infections can cause a lot of pain, swollen and bleeding gums, as well as damage to the tissues that support the teeth, thus causing tooth mobility and even the loss of some teeth.
This is one of the most frequent problems during pregnancy; it occurs in up to 75% of pregnant women at the end of the first trimester and disappears after delivery.
During early pregnancy, expectant mothers experience nausea and vomiting to a greater or lesser degree. The vomit will be composed of acids produced in the stomach that when in contact with the surfaces of the teeth, will cause a lesion called dental erosion, which consists of the demineralization of the dental enamel.
Caries lesions are painful, depending upon their progression. They may be favored by various factors that occur during pregnancy; however, this does not mean that pregnancy is a direct cause of caries.
In an ideal world, the first visits to your dentist should be during the planning stage, that is, before conception to eliminate any issue such as an infection that may be exacerbated and cause discomfort during pregnancy.
A balanced and healthy diet aids in the development of the baby while maintaining the general health of the mother-to-be, along with her oral health. Try exchanging the usual cravings for sweets or carbohydrates with healthier options.
The American Pregnancy Association recommends rinsing your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash after each episode of vomiting. It means avoiding brushing your teeth immediately afterward, as your teeth will be more susceptible to wear and erosion from the acidic action of the vomit.
The American Dental Association recommends the use of toothbrushes with small brush heads and soft or extra soft bristles to avoid damaging the gums. It is vital to avoid excessive erosion of the teeth.