Many women are concerned about caring for their teeth during Pregnancy or have heard that pregnancy causes damage to teeth. An attempt here has been made to give some important information regarding maintenance of dental health during pregnancy.

Before pregnancy:

It is important to establish good oral hygiene so that when you become pregnant you will have minimum problems. Also, recent research has shown that pregnant women with gum problems are more prone to give birth to low birth weight pre-mature babies.

  • Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste to remove Plaque (sticky film of bacteria) which damages your gums and teeth.
  • Visit your Dentist for a regular check up and cleaning.
  • Get all your dental treatment done as during pregnancy dental treatment can be tiring and many dental procedures are often avoided.

During pregnancy:

Pregnancy involves lots of hormonal changes. Due to this gums become soft and spongy and tend to bleed easily if proper oral hygiene is not maintained.

  • Maintain a good oral hygiene by means of brushing, flossing, mouthwashes etc;
  • Frequent snacking: this is commonly seen during pregnancy. Frequent snacks and drinks especially sweet ones can lead to tooth decay. Switch over to snacks that are low in sugar, fat & salt and high in fiber content. Drinks such as water and milk are recommended. Rinse your mouth with water if you can’t brush after every snack.
  • Importance of Calcium: Calcium is very important for your baby’s teeth. During fourth month of pregnancy your baby’s teeth and bones begin to calcify. The calcium and phosphorous needed for this comes from the food you eat and if necessary from your bones. These minerals are best obtained by eating more dairy foods. Milk and milk products are excellent sources of calcium. Choose those products that are low in fat and sugar. In case you don’t prefer these consult your doctor or dietician for other substitutes. He/she may also advise you calcium supplements.
  • Dental procedures: Certain antibiotics like Tetracycline can cause damage to your baby’s developing teeth. So it’s very important that you inform your Dental Surgeon about your pregnancy. This also ensures that your doctor will then carry out all dental procedures with caution and necessary safety measures. Visit your dentist for a regular check up and cleaning.

There is a common myth ‘One tooth is lost with every Pregnancy’. 

Pregnancy in itself does not cause dental decay. If good oral hygiene is maintained by you and the advice given here is followed there is no reason why you should have any dental problems during pregnancy.