Pregnancy is a time when you need to take good care not only of yourself but also of your baby. Your oral health is an important part of your overall health, and keeping up good oral habits will help you avoid problems during pregnancy that could affect your unborn child.
Frequently asked questions
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Is there a link between my diet during pregnancy and my oral health?
- A balanced diet is important to provide the right amounts of nutrients for you and your child. The food you eat during the nine months of development affects your child's development – including their teeth. Your child's teeth begin to develop between the third and sixth month of pregnancy, so it is important to get enough nutrients – especially calcium, protein, phosphorus and vitamins A, C and D.
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Does a mother lose calcium from her teeth during pregnancy?
- The claim that calcium is drawn from the mother's teeth during pregnancy is a myth. Your baby gets the calcium it needs from your food, not from your teeth. If you do not get enough calcium from your diet, the necessary amount is drawn from the stores in your bones. Eating enough dairy products (the main source of calcium), or taking the supplements prescribed by your obstetrician, is enough to provide the amounts you need during pregnancy.
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What should I do if I am hungry between main meals?
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During pregnancy many women feel like eating a lot of carbohydrate-rich food, which encourages tooth decay. Tooth decay begins with the build-up of plaque (a sticky layer of harmful bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth). The bacteria break down sugar and starch, which are turned into acids that attack the tooth enamel. The longer sugar stays in your mouth, the longer the acids attack the enamel. After repeated acid attacks, tooth decay develops.
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Plan a well-balanced diet made up of the five main food groups: bread and cereals, fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products. Try to resist the urge to snack all the time. If you can't, at least try to choose food that is nutritious for both you and your baby. We recommend raw fruit and vegetables and dairy products. The best choice is to follow the diet recommended by your doctor.
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What should I do if I am pregnant and need an X-ray?
- An X-ray may be needed for dental treatment or for an emergency that cannot wait until the baby is born. Untreated dental infections can put your unborn baby at risk, and dental treatment may be essential to protect the health of both mother and child. The radiation dose from dental X-rays is extremely low. Even so, it is wise to take some precautions to minimise radiation exposure. A lead apron makes the exposure negligible and should be used when the X-ray is taken. A lead collar protects the thyroid gland from radiation and should be used whenever possible. This collar is strongly recommended for women of childbearing age, during pregnancy and for children. Dental X-rays are not contraindicated while you are trying to conceive or while you are breastfeeding.
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Does pregnancy affect my gums?
- During pregnancy, hormone levels rise significantly. Gingivitis, which is especially common between the second and eighth month of pregnancy, makes the gums red, swollen and prone to bleeding. This sensitivity is an exaggerated reaction to plaque, caused by raised progesterone levels. Your dentist may recommend brushing your teeth more often during the second trimester or the early third trimester of pregnancy to prevent more serious problems.
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What is epulis gravidarum?
- It is an overgrowth of the gums seen in the second trimester. These localised growths are most often found between the teeth and are believed to be linked to large amounts of plaque. The gums bleed very easily. If the growth does not disappear after the birth, it is removed surgically.
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What can I do to maintain good oral health during pregnancy?
- To prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day. Pay special attention to cleaning between your teeth every day with dental floss or interdental brushes. Ask your dentist how to use dental floss and interdental brushes correctly.
This article is for information only and does not replace an examination by a dentist.
