Is it true that each pregnancy ‘costs a tooth’?
When a woman learns that she is pregnant, a huge amount of emotions, doubts and fears come to her mind that focus on taking care of herself and, more importantly, taking care of the new life growing inside her. On the other hand, there are a lot of myths about pregnancies that can distort the moment of happiness that is being experienced. One of them is that ‘every pregnancy cost me a tooth’, as if becoming pregnant resulted in the loss of teeth. What is true about this? Here’s how a pregnant woman’ s oral health changes and what to do to keep mom and baby in perfect condition both during and after pregnancy. During pregnancy, changes occur in a woman’s body thanks to hormones, which are responsible for creating a new life inside her. This hormonal revolution causes, as a consequence, progesterone and estrogen levels to increase and the woman’s body undergoes some important changes. From the very first moment a pregnant woman must take care of herself in order to take care of her baby, and this is why she must pay special attention to her health.
The baby’s need for calcium
It is important to know that the baby needs calcium (among many other things) to develop inside its mother’s belly. However, contrary to popular belief, the calcium the baby needs is not ‘stolen’ from the mother’s bones and teeth, but is provided by the mother through the umbilical cord and her diet. For this reason it is important for a woman on a treadmill to maintain a balanced and varied diet. We rule out from the outset that the statement ‘every pregnancy cost me a tooth’ is true. Oral diseases that may occur during this period have more to do with lack of hygiene and specific care than with the baby ‘stealing’ calcium from the mother. On the other hand, at an oral level, the hormonal change that causes progesterone and estrogen levels to increase favors the appearance of gingivitis, an oral disease that produces inflammation in the gums.
What is the so-called pregnancy gingivitis?
It is an oral disease suffered by about 60 to 70% of pregnant women who already had gum problems prior to pregnancy. In this new state, gum problems can worsen if they are not treated in a specific way. However, it cannot be said that pregnancy causes gingivitis, but it can aggravate it if there were previous gum problems. It is especially important to detect and treat possible gum disease early because untreated gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. In this case, infection and inflammation can move from the gums to the ligaments and bones that support the teeth. As a result, if the teeth lose their support, they can become loose and may even be lost.
Epulis during pregnancy
In parallel to this, epulis, a kind of cyst that forms both in the gum and in other soft parts of the mouth, can grow in the gums. Although usually benign in nature, epulis can grow rapidly, eventually affecting the bone and causing serious injury if not treated in time.
How are they detected?
In addition to visually, epuli cause hemorrhages that can make it difficult to chew food.
What other problems can they cause?
Apart from hemorrhages, they can move the teeth, making a more important surgical intervention necessary.
Caries in pregnancy
On the other hand, the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can cause another oral alteration: caries. Cavities are holes that form in the teeth due to the action of bacteria. These bacteria produce acids that break down tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of the teeth. If left untreated, decay can reach the dentin, the layer underneath the enamel, causing pain and even tooth loss.
Reasons for caries during pregnancy
During pregnancy, women are at an increased risk of developing caries for several reasons:
- Hormonal changes: Estrogen and progesterone levels increase during pregnancy, which can cause changes in the mouth that make teeth more prone to plaque and bacteria.
- Nausea and vomiting: Morning sickness and vomiting, which are common in the first trimester of pregnancy, can expose teeth to stomach acid, which erodes enamel.
- Dietary changes: Some pregnant women eat more frequently or snack between meals to relieve nausea, which gives bacteria more opportunities to attack the teeth.
- Decreased saliva flow: Saliva helps neutralize acids in the mouth and wash away bacteria. During pregnancy, some women experience a decrease in saliva flow, which increases the risk of tooth decay.
Tooth decay during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both mother and baby. Infection from cavities can enter the bloodstream and cause problems throughout the body, including premature delivery or low birth weight. In addition, cavities can cause pain and discomfort for the mother, which can make it difficult to eat and sleep.
The importance of nutrition in pregnancy and dental health
A good diet is essential to maintain optimal health, especially during pregnancy. However, some dietary changes may occur during the months of pregnancy. An increase in the consumption of high-calorie foods, sweets, processed products or products with large amounts of sugar should go hand in hand with increased oral care. A pregnant woman who needs to eat more meals per day requires more dental hygiene, which, if it does not occur, results in a greater likelihood of tooth decay.
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and tooth enamel care
In addition, the nausea that can occur produces acidity in the mouth, which eventually demineralizes the tooth enamel. A woman who suffers from nausea or vomiting for a large part of the day may find it difficult to brush her teeth every time. Therefore, one tip is to rinse the mouth thoroughly with water afterwards to remove as much acid as possible that may have remained on the teeth.
Oral health of the mother and child
As indicated by the Spanish Society of Pediatric Dentistry, the oral health of the mother can influence the future dental health of her child. Taking care of the mouth, maintaining proper dental hygiene and a good diet will help the baby to develop perfectly and to have better oral health in the future. We must not forget that creating good habits will influence our child since, as they grow up, our children recreate what they see in their parents. In Ilzarbe Dental Clinic we advise adults and children in oral health and we recommend at least one checkup a year. And if you are pregnant do not hesitate to consult with our specialists about the most appropriate care for your condition, you and your baby will thank us! Author :
