Dental care and Pregnancy

What is dental health and how does it affect pregnancy?

Dental health is the health of our teeth, mouth and gums and it's very important for all of us to take good care of your teeth and gums while pregnant. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase the risk of developing gum disease which, in turn, can affect the health of your developing baby.

Pregnant women tend to become more susceptible to oral infections and are at increased risk of gum disease and permanent tooth damage. Poor oral health can become a risk to a healthy pregnancy outcome.

How does pregnancy affect your dental health?

1. The levels of certain hormones like progesterone and estrogen, in our body get increased during pregnancy. These can increase your risk for certain oral health problems.
2. Eating habits may change during pregnancy which leads to affect your dental health.

Risk of Periodontal Disease in Pregnancy:

If gingivitis is untreated, it can lead to gum disease. This causes serious infection in the gums and problems with the bones that support the teeth. Your teeth may get loose, and they may have to be extracted (pulled). Periodontitis can lead to bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream) and this is a serious condition that needs immediate treatment.  

What can you do to help prevent dental problems?

1.            Regular brushing and flossing can remove plaque and help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
2.          Eat healthy foods which include fruits and vegetables, lean meat, whole-grain breads and pasta and low-fat dairy products. Limit sweets and sugary foods and drink water instead of sugary drinks. Eating healthy foods helps give you and your growing baby important nutrients. Your baby’s teeth start developing between 3 and 6 months of pregnancy.
3.         Nutrients like calcium, protein, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C and D, help your baby’s teeth grow healthy.
   

Can food and drink cause dental erosion?

     

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay damages the teeth and leads to fillings or even extractions. Tooth decay happens when sugar reacts with the bacteria in plaque. This forms the acids that attack the teeth and destroy the enamel. After this happens many times, the tooth enamel may break down, forming a hole or 'cavity' into the dentine. The tooth can then decay more quickly.

Can food and drink cause erosion?

Acidic food and drinks can cause dental erosion - the gradual dissolving of the tooth enamel. Listed below are the 'pH values' of some food and drinks. The lower the pH number, the more acidic product. pH value lower than 5.5 may cause erosion. 'Alkalis' have a high pH number and cancel out the acid effects of sugars .

·         Mineral water (still) pH 7.6

·         Milk pH 6.9

·         Cheddar cheese pH 5.9

·         Lager pH 4.4

·         Orange juice pH 3.8

·         Grapefruit pH 3.3

·         Pickles pH 3.2

·         Cola pH 2.5

·         Red wine pH 2.5

Vinegar pH 2.0

·        Why is a healthy diet important for oral health?

Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods from all the food groups promotes healthy teeth and gums. A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein foods, calcium-rich foods and whole grains provides essential nutrients for optimum oral health as well as overall health.

• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups, including:
• whole grains
• fruits
• vegetables
• lean sources of protein such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish; dry beans, peas and other legumes
• low-fat and fat-free dairy foods

 Does chewing gum help?

Chewing gum makes your mouth produce more saliva, which helps to cancel out the acid in your mouth after eating or drinking. It has been proven that using sugar-free chewing gum after meals can prevent tooth decay. However, it is important to use only sugar-free gum, as ordinary chewing gum contains sugar and therefore may damage your teeth.