From Dentist to Mom: What Pregnancy Taught Me About Oral Health

Pregnancy changes so much about your body, but one thing I didn’t expect was how much it would change the way I think about oral health.

As a dentist and owner of Anchored Smiles of Naples, I have spent years talking with patients about the connection between oral health and overall health. But experiencing pregnancy myself as a first-time mom has given me a completely different perspective. Hormonal changes, increased blood flow, nausea, acid reflux and even changes in everyday routines can affect your mouth in ways that are surprisingly easy to overlook.

Why Your Mouth Can Change During Pregnancy

One of the most common changes during pregnancy is pregnancy gingivitis. Hormonal changes can make the gums more sensitive to plaque, causing them to become red, swollen, tender or more likely to bleed while brushing and flossing. Although some gum sensitivity and bleeding can occur during pregnancy, persistent or worsening symptoms are worth discussing with your dentist.

Pregnancy can also increase the risk of cavities. Changes in eating habits, frequent snacking, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting can all play a role. Morning sickness and acid reflux deserve particular attention because repeated exposure to stomach acid can weaken tooth enamel.

If you vomit, avoid brushing your teeth immediately afterward. Instead, rinse your mouth with water or a mixture of 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to help neutralize the acid. Wait about 30 minutes before brushing.

Some women may also notice a small, red growth on the gums during pregnancy, sometimes called a “pregnancy tumor.” Despite the alarming name, these growths are typically benign and may resolve after pregnancy. However, any new or unusual growth in the mouth should be evaluated by a dentist.

Know What Not to Ignore

Pregnancy does not mean that tooth pain, significant swelling or infection should simply be tolerated until after delivery. Contact your dentist if you experience persistent tooth pain or sensitivity, significant gum swelling or bleeding, facial or dental swelling, a broken tooth, signs of infection, or a new oral growth that does not improve.

An important lesson I hope expecting mothers take away is that pregnancy is not a reason to avoid the dentist. Preventive, diagnostic and restorative dental care is considered safe throughout pregnancy. When treatment is necessary, delaying it can sometimes allow a relatively minor dental problem to become more complicated.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Smile

Fortunately, taking care of your mouth during pregnancy does not require an elaborate routine:

• Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss or clean between your teeth daily.
• Continue regular dental examinations and professional cleanings.
• Drink plenty of water and limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks.
• If nausea makes brushing difficult, try a smaller toothbrush head or a mild-flavored fluoride toothpaste.
• Tell your dentist that you are pregnant, how far along you are and which medications or supplements you are taking.

At Anchored Smiles of Naples, one of the things I emphasize with expecting patients is the value of prevention. A routine dental visit gives us an opportunity to identify inflammation, cavities or other concerns early and to adapt home-care recommendations as pregnancy progresses.

A New Perspective on a Familiar Message

One of the biggest lessons pregnancy has taught me is how easy it is to focus so much on preparing for the baby that you forget to take care of yourself. Between appointments, preparing the nursery and everything else that comes with becoming a first-time mom, your own health can quickly move down the list.

Becoming a mother has made me appreciate even more the advice I give my patients every day: small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference in your oral health.

Now, I am not only thinking about caring for my own smile, but also looking forward to teaching my little girl from the very beginning that a healthy smile is something worth protecting.

About the Author

Nicole Ricart, DDS, is a general dentist and owner of Anchored Smiles of Naples, where she provides comprehensive, patient-centered dental care to individuals and families in the Naples community. As she prepares to welcome her first child, Dr. Ricart brings both a professional and personal perspective to the importance of oral health during pregnancy.

Sources

American Dental Association - Pregnancy

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists - Oral Health Care During Pregnancy and Through the Lifespan