Why Preventive Dental Care During Pregnancy Matters

The relationship between oral health and pregnancy outcomes is no secret to dentists and hygienists. Now, a new study in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) nicely highlights just how significant that connection really is.

Why Oral Health Matters During Pregnancy

Even if your oral health is normally excellent, it can take a turn for the worse during pregnancy. That’s because pregnancy creates unique conditions in the mouth. Hormonal changes – especially higher levels of estrogen and progesterone – make gums more likely to become inflamed.

It’s estimated that up to 75% of pregnant women may be affected by what’s called “pregnancy gingivitis.” While the condition is seldom severe enough to drastically damage oral tissues, it has been scientifically linked to a variety of pregnancy complications. One possible reason why: Oral bacteria and inflammatory compounds can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the mom’s glucose metabolism and vascular function.

This is why it’s so important to maintain good preventive dental care during pregnancy.

The recent JADA study shows just how much that matters by analysing pregnancy outcomes through data from just over 200,000 women. Its authors found that those who skipped preventive dental care during pregnancy had 13% greater odds of developing gestational diabetes and 8% greater odds of experiencing hypertensive disorders such as pre-eclampsia.

And those who needed dental treatment but didn’t get it? They faced 28% greater odds of hypertensive disorders.

Caring for Your Oral Health During Pregnancy

Clearly, oral health care is key in protecting the health of both mother and infant alike. Yet many believe that dental care during pregnancy is dangerous.

The reality is that it’s both safe and advised – a fact confirmed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Dental Association alike.

For non-emergency care, the second trimester is usually considered optimal. Morning sickness is typically a thing of the past, and the belly hasn’t yet made lying back in the dental chair uncomfortable. Emergency procedures can and should be done at any time. Simply, untreated oral infections or severe pain can pose greater risks than dental treatment to mother and baby alike.

The potential impact of hormonal changes on periodontal health is hardly the only reason why preventive care during pregnancy matters so much to oral health. Morning sickness, for instance, exposes the teeth to stomach acid, which weakens enamel and raises the risk of decay. Food cravings and frequent snacking can mean more fermentable carbs in your diet, which feed harmful bacteria, raising the risk of both gum disease and decay.

Not only are regular exams and cleanings a must; so is maintaining excellent home care. At minimum, this means brushing twice and flossing once each day, using fluoride-free materials. But there are other tools you can use to take your home hygiene to the next level:

• Oil pulling, using organic coconut oil.
• Applying ozonated oil along the gumline. (Interdental brushes are great for this task!)
• Using an oral irrigator to flush the periodontal pockets around each tooth.

Eating a nutrient-dense diet centered on meals made from whole and minimally processed foods is also essential, along with good hydration with fluoride-free water.

The goal is to maintain a healthy mouth throughout the whole pregnancy. With strong teeth and resilient gums, it’s a protective foundation for both mother’s health and baby’s development. Your oral ecosystem today shapes two bodies’ tomorrows.