Happy Women’s Day! In case you’re reading today’s article and you happen to be newly pregnant too, congratulations! That’s a double celebration. Pregnancy is a period in a woman’s life where a lot of changes occur both externally and internally. It is also a period where an expectant mother has to be careful of what she takes into her body to avoid any complications with the health of the foetus and her own life. Oral health during pregnancy is an area of antenatal care which is often neglected. Would you be surprised if I told you that recent studies have shown that severe gum disease (periodontal disease) is a known risk factor for preterm birth or low birth weight? This is why pregnant women need to take their oral health seriously to reduce chances of this.

A lot happens in the mouth during pregnancy; the most common problems are gum disease and tooth decay. The hormonal changes during pregnancy influences how your body reacts to certain things. For example, your body will react differently to bacteria on your teeth (plaque). This leads to bleeding and swollen gums (pregnancy-induced gingivitis) and a severe form of gum disease called periodontal disease where the supporting structures of the teeth are affected which can eventually lead to tooth loss if not taken care of. The hormonal changes also increase the acidity in the mouth leading to an increased risk of tooth decay. The increased sugar intake from cravings and a decreased attention to preventive dental care are also contributing factors to the aforementioned. Here are some few tips worth noting during pregnancy:

1. Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after vomiting. For most women, morning sickness, nausea and vomiting are an inevitable part of pregnancy. Your teeth get covered with stomach acids after vomiting and the vigorous action of your toothbrush may scratch/wear-off the protective layer of your teeth (enamel). This may later lead to tooth sensitivity. It is best to simply rinse your mouth thoroughly with a cup of water after vomiting.

• It is safe to visit your dentist during pregnancy. You should bear in mind that some dental problems are easily dealt with at the dental clinic rather than staying at home trying out all sorts of home remedies. Tartar (hardened plaque on teeth) can only be removed at the dental clinic through a procedure called scaling and polishing. This helps to reduce your chances of gum disease. However, you should always let your dentist know which trimester you are currently in. This helps us to plan our treatment appropriately because some elective dental procedures will have to be scheduled for a latter period depending on the trimester you are in. Furthermore, you should start scheduling an appointment prior to becoming pregnant so that any necessary procedure can be done before beginning the conception process.

• Don’t lose sight of maintaining a good oral hygiene. This involves brushing your teeth twice daily, cleaning your tongue and flossing your teeth at least once daily. This helps to get rid of the germs that cause gum disease and tooth decay. The use of the dental floss must be highly emphasized here because it complements the brushing by removing food remnants that hide in between your teeth. These areas are usually inaccessible to the toothbrush. In case your current toothbrush triggers a gag reflex when brushing, you can decide to switch to a brush with a smaller head and avoid taking the brush too deep into your throat area. In other instances, try experimenting with other fluoride-containing toothpastes if the flavour or smell of your current toothpaste triggers a gag reflex.

• Reduce your sugar intake. Refined sugar is the main fuel for cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth and I believe cravings during pregnancy are unavoidable. But in case you do munch on some chocolates or biscuits, kindly swish and swallow with cup of water afterwards so that the sugar residues are washed off the teeth.

• Do not self-medicate during pregnancy when you have a toothache. Self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs during pregnancy is an important public health concern especially in the vulnerable population of pregnant women due to the potential risks to both the mother and the foetus. Kindly speak to your health professional about certain medications you can take as a first-aid when you have a toothache.

I hope you have learnt a lot from today’s article. I wish you the very best and pray that you deliver a healthy and bouncy baby boy/girl.

Thanks for reading.

Stay connected to the Vine. Stay Gorgeous and Stay Professional.

Credit: Dr Michael Awua-Mensah

(@Dr_Awua on Instagram)

A member of the Ghana Dental Association (GDA)