This guide outlines essential steps for maintaining optimal oral health before, during, and after pregnancy for the well-being of both you and your baby.
Before You Become Pregnant: Pre-Conception Care
It is critical to establish excellent oral hygiene habits before conception. Dental plaque, a mixture of bacteria, saliva, and food remnants, must be thoroughly cleaned from the teeth and gum line. Use a small, soft toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste (or discuss alternatives with your Holistic Dentist), and aim to brush twice daily and floss regularly.
The Importance of a Dental Visit
Scheduling a thorough exam and professional clean before pregnancy is highly recommended. Completing any necessary dental treatment now will be more comfortable, as the first trimester may involve morning sickness and the third trimester can bring fatigue and difficulty lying back for long periods.
Also, be aware that certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics, can potentially discolour your baby's developing teeth, which begin forming while the baby is still in utero.
Dental Care While Pregnant: Trimester by Trimester
f you are pregnant or suspect you are, inform your dental professional immediately upon your visit.
Managing Oral Hygiene During Morning Sickness
Many women experience morning sickness (nausea and vomiting) during the first trimester. The stomach contents are highly acidic and can coat the teeth, leading to dental erosion by dissolving tooth enamel.
To protect your enamel after vomiting or gastric reflux:
- Do not brush your teeth for at least an hour after vomiting.
- Rinse your mouth immediately with plain water to wash away the acid.
- Applying a smear of bicarbonate of soda to your teeth can help neutralise the acid and strengthen enamel.
- Tooth Mousse is also beneficial for remineralising teeth, as it contains bioactive calcium and phosphate derived from milk casein, aiding in the repair of damaged enamel.
Addressing Hormonal Gum Changes
During pregnancy, altered hormonal balance can make your gums more easily irritated by dental plaque, leading to inflammation and bleeding. Your dental professional will check your gums and provide advice on caring for them, including twice-daily brushing and daily flossing.
If you experience gagging while brushing, try using a small-headed, soft toothbrush (like a child's brush), concentrating on your breathing, or even brushing without toothpaste initially and then smearing fluoride toothpaste over your teeth afterward (do not rinse).
Food Cravings and Tooth Decay
Cravings for sugary or acidic foods and drinks are common but can significantly increase the risk of dental carries (decay) and erosion.
- If you crave sugar, consider it a sign to check your sleep quality or need a substantial meal, as the brain often craves glucose when tired.
- Choose a wide variety of snacks that are low in sugar, fat, and salt, and high in fibre.
- Drink tap water and rinse your mouth with water between meals.
Essential Nutrition: Calcium and Your Baby
Calcium and phosphorus are vital for your baby’s developing teeth and bones, as well as your own. From four months, your baby’s teeth and bones begin to calcify, using the minerals obtained from your diet, or from your bones if intake is insufficient—these minerals do not come from your teeth.
The recommended daily intake of calcium for a pregnant or breastfeeding woman over the age of 18 is 1,000mg.
Dental Treatment Safety During Pregnancy
Dental treatment is generally safe during pregnancy. However, you should always speak with your dental professional about whether treatment is needed.
X-Rays and Fillings
Dental X-rays should be avoided if possible. If an X-ray is deemed essential, special precautions will be taken, including the use of lead aprons and modern digital X-ray sensors, which use a fraction of the traditional dose. It is also recommended to avoid the removal of mercury-containing silver amalgam fillings during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Comfort in the Dental Chair
To increase comfort during treatment, you may find it helpful to have your right hip raised with a pillow or towel while lying back in the dental chair. Do not hesitate to ask your dental office for assistance in finding a comfortable position.
Post-Birth: Protecting Your Baby's Oral Health
Preventing the Transmission of Decay-Causing Bacteria
Babies are born with no decay-causing bacteria in their mouths. These bacteria are passed from caregivers and family members through various activities, posing a risk to the baby's teeth from the moment they first erupt.
The bacteria are commonly transmitted through:
- Kissing
- Using the same spoon when tasting food
- Cleaning a dummy (pacifier) in the parent's mouth
Caregivers, especially mothers, can significantly lower the amount of bacteria passed to their baby by maintaining excellent personal oral health. This includes:
- Brushing after breakfast and before bedtime.
- Flossing regularly.
- Choosing healthy snacks and limiting sugary food intake.
- Drinking tap water and having regular dental check-ups.
- It is crucial to have your own dental decay treated to lower the overall level of bacteria in your mouth.
Take the Next Step for Your Family’s Health
Ready to ensure your smile and your baby's developing health are fully protected throughout this special time?
Lifetime Dental in Prahran, VIC, is here to support you.
Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive pre-conception or prenatal dental examination and discuss your holistic care plan. We specialise in making your visits comfortable and safe at every stage of your pregnancy.
