Dental information for pregnant women in Southampton
Is there a connection between my diet during pregnancy and my oral health?
Eating a balanced diet is necessary to provide the correct amounts of nutrients to nourish both you and your child. What you eat during the nine months of pregnancy affects the development of your unborn child, including teeth.
Your baby’s teeth begin to develop between the third and sixth month of pregnancy, so it is important that you receive sufficient amounts of nutrients, especially calcium, protein, phosphorous, and vitamins A, C, and D.
Does a woman lose calcium from her teeth during pregnancy?
It is a myth that calcium is lost from the mother’s teeth during pregnancy. The calcium your baby needs is provided by your diet, not by your teeth. If dietary calcium is inadequate, however, your body will provide this mineral from stores in your bones. An adequate intake of dairy products, the primary source of calcium, or the supplements your doctor may recommend will help ensure that you get all the calcium you need during your pregnancy.
What if I’m hungry between meals?
During pregnancy, many women have the desire to eat between meals. While this is a normal urge, frequent snacking on carbohydrate-containing foods can be an invitation to tooth decay. The decay process begins with plaque, an invisible, sticky layer of harmful bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria convert sugar and starch that remain in the mouth to acid that attacks tooth enamel. The longer sugars are retained in your mouth, the longer the acids attack. After repeated attacks, tooth decay can result.
Eat nutritious, well-balanced meals made up of foods from the five major food groups: breads, cereals and other grains; fruits; vegetables; meat, fish, poultry and protein alternatives; and milk, yogurt and cheese. Try to resist the urge to snack constantly. When you need a snack, choose foods that are nutritious for you and your baby such as raw fruits and vegetables and dairy products. Following your doctor’s advice regarding diet is your wisest course.
Are Dental X-Rays safe to have during pregnancy?
Please see our section on Dental X-rays for further information on this but current regulations are as follows:
- Dental x-rays are safe to take during pregnancy.
- An x-ray may be needed for dental treatment or a dental emergency that can’t wait until after the baby is born. Untreated dental infections can pose a risk to the unborn child, and dental treatment may be necessary to maintain the health of the mother and child.
- Radiation from Dental X-rays is extremely low. However, every precaution is taken to minimize radiation exposure.
Is it safe to have dental treatment during pregnancy?
Dental checkups and cleans are very important to maintain during pregnancy, in fact more frequent cleans than usual may be advised.
Dental treatment is safe to have during pregnancy but your dentist will probably defer any complicated treatment or amalgam fillings until after the baby is born.
Does pregnancy affect my gums?
During pregnancy, your body’s hormone levels rise considerably. Gingivitis, especially common during the second to eighth months of pregnancy, may cause red, puffy or tender gums that tend to bleed when you brush. This sensitivity is an exaggerated response to plaque and is caused by an increased level of progesterone in your system. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings during your second trimester or early third trimester to help you avoid problems. If you maintain good oral hygiene during pregnancy, these changes should be reversible and the bleeding will cease after the baby is born.
What are “pregnancy tumours”?
Occasionally overgrowths of gum tissue, called “pregnancy tumours,” appear on the gums during the second trimester. These localized growths or swellings are usually found between the teeth and are believed to be related to excess plaque. They bleed easily and are characterized by a red, raw-looking mulberry-like surface. They either resolve spontaneously after the baby is born or are removed in a minor surgical procedure. If you experience pregnancy tumours, see your dentist.
It’s especially important, then, to maintain good oral health during pregnancy. If you notice any changes in your mouth during pregnancy, see your dentist.
What can I do to keep my mouth healthy during pregnancy?
To help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease, brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque. Be sure to clean between your teeth daily – your dentist or hygienist to show you how to brush and floss correctly.
