Keeping Your Mouth Healthy during pregnancy

Just found out you’re pregnant? It’s more important than ever to maintain good dental hygiene habits to protect your health and that of your baby.

During pregnancy, a rise in your hormones, morning sickness and increased snacking may raise your risk of gum disease and cavities:

• The higher level of the hormones estrogen and progesterone stimulates the growth of bacteria in your mouth, causing plaque to develop.

• Vomiting creates a more acidic environment in your mouth, which can damage teeth.

• Pregnancy cravings can lead to more snacking throughout the day and night, which can also contribute to plaque buildup.1

The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which generally occurs in 60 percent to 70 percent of pregnant women. If you have gingivitis, your gums might be red, swollen and tender and might bleed after you brush or floss. Untreated, this can lead to periodontitis. Your gums can become infected and you might lose the bone that supports your teeth. Left with little bone support, your teeth can become loose and may have to be extracted.

Periodontitis has been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight of babies, but there isn’t enough research yet to explain this link. 2

To keep gum disease at bay, maintain your dental well-check visits and let your dentist know that you’re pregnant during your check-up. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush for two minutes, using a fluoridecontaining toothpaste, and clean between your teeth once a day. Do not brush your teeth immediately after a bout of morning sickness so as not to expose them to acids from your stomach. Instead, rinse your mouth with one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water.3