Oral Hygiene Practices during Pregnancy: Myths, Facts and Best Practices

“Chupa yangu imevunjikia mdomoni” to mean “My water broke in my mouth” is a common phrase that I, personally as a dentist, encounter with most mothers I come across with within my community. They usually mean that it was during their pregnancies that they had experienced most of their teeth becoming carious and eventually leading discomfort, pain, numerous tooth fillings and most times, extraction of the teeth.

 

 

This is an unfortunate situation that you too might have gone through, witnessed or heard about within the community that surrounds you. It has led women with such complaints to become hopeless and some resentful of the whole ordeal.

 

It is high time we address this burning issue through this article, stick around to learn more and maybe spread the word when an opportunity presents itself.

 

What are some of the myths on this?

Pregnancy causes your teeth to fall off

Fact: It is not quite true that pregnancy alone will cause your teeth to fall out; however, it is true that during pregnancy there is a change in hormonal levels in the woman’s body as well as one’s dietary habits that will ultimately contribute to rotting of teeth.

 

If the expectant mother conducts good oral hygiene practices such regular teeth brushing, dental flossing as well as attend for dental check-ups, it will help prevent teeth decay and gum sensitivities.

 

Tooth extractions can harm the developing baby

Fact: Elective dental procedures such as teeth whitening and orthodontic treatments are usually postponed during pregnancy but when there is a dental emergency like severe pain or severe infections then treatment becomes necessary. The dentist will usually take all precautions to make sure that the required procedures do not harm the health of the expectant mother.

 

Dental X-rays can harm the baby and should always be avoided

Fact: Dental X-rays especially with appropriate shielding are generally considered safe during pregnancy. The dentist will most definitely limit the exposure to non-urgent X-rays, meaning when you do not need them but in case of dental emergencies and the dentist requires to examine further then the X-ray can be performed safely.

 

Dental treatments can harm the baby and should be avoided completely

Fact: Precaution is vital but this kind of thinking is the bad root that leads you to extracting teeth in the first place since avoiding treatments during pregnancy can lead to oral health issues that can negatively affect both the mother and the baby.

 

Getting dental treatments as primary as oral health education by having regular dental check-ups with the dentist is often crucial. It is good to note that routine dental check-ups, cleanings, and necessary treatments are generally safe especially with precautions in place.

 

What are the best dental practices for any pregnant woman?

If you are pregnant, follow these best practices to take care of your oral health:

Regular check-ups: Continue with regular dental check-ups, since early detection and prevention are crucial.

 

Brush your teeth and floss: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.

 

Morning sickness: Rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash after vomiting to reduce acid damage to teeth.

 

Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C to support healthy teeth and gums. If you are to eat sugary or sweet foods then make sure to brush your teeth or rinse.

 

What dental care can be done for each pregnancy trimester?

First trimester (1-12^th week)

During this time, there are usually two concerns: first, the risk of exposing the fetus to teratogens (substances that can cause abnormalities or birth defects to a developing fetus) and secondly, the risk of spontaneous abortions, so it is crucial to note the following;

 

You will experience maternal changes in your hormones as well as your dietary habits. You may have more snack breaks and develop a liking to sweet or sugary foods and may experience morning sickness.

 

 

This is the time for you to maintain a strict oral hygiene by ensuring that in-between snack you rinse your mouth or if possible brush your teeth to prevent the accumulation of plaque in the mouth. When you throw up during a morning sickness rinse your mouth to wash away the stomach acids that may weaken your teeth, after 30 minutes brush your teeth.

 

It might be difficult to maintain the routine of brushing your teeth at the times of the morning as you used to so if it is not possible in the morning then switch it to a time more comfortable for you, but ensure you have an exposure to the fluoride contained in your toothpaste at least once a day.

 

Treatments will often be limited to only providing gum prophylaxis as well as attending to emergencies if present. Routine radiographs are usually avoided, unless quite necessary during emergencies or which a lead apron will be used as a shield.

 

Second trimester (13^th-24^th week)

During this time the morning sicknesses has often subsided and the fetus is not a significant size to impede the mother from having to lie on a dental chair to get dental care. Oral hygiene instructions are paramount, so make sure you maintain a good oral hygiene through teeth brushing and flossing. You can go to the dentist to clean your teeth (scaling, polishing and curettage).

 

Elective procedures can be done such as teeth whitening or root canal treatments may be performed if necessary. Control of active diseases such as a decayed tooth through tooth fillings or gum disease may also be addressed during this period. The use of radiographs will still be limited unless absolutely necessary for your care.

 

Third trimester (25^th-40^th week)

During this phase of pregnancy, the positioning on the dental chair is usually a challenge since the fetus’s size has increased immensely and making the mother lie on the dental chair may impede blood flow. So, the dentist will often position you almost upright and more to your left side to help with the blood flow.

 

Also, maintenance of oral hygiene will remain to be paramount as well as going for dental check-ups to avoid any oral issues during and after the pregnancy.

 

Elective dental procedures will be suspended during this period and routine radiographs will also be avoided.

 

Medications to avoid during pregnancy

You should avoid medications that have been proven to be a risk to the mother’s as well as the baby’s health. One being Tetracycline which has been shown to affect the child’s dentition so be keen to avoid this medication when pregnant and let your dentist or any other doctor know of your condition so they do not prescribe it.

 

During the third trimester it is primary to think about the safety of the mother and child during birth so it is important to avoid medications that increase the bleeding time. Medications such as Aspirin are to be avoided and should not be used for pain management during this time.

 

If there will be use of pain management medications during dental procedures such local anesthesia or nitrous oxide, they are often used by the dentist in moderations to ensure your safety.