Dental Issues During Pregnancy: A Complete Guide & Home Remedies

What Is Meant By Dental Issues During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, there is an increase in progesterone and estrogen hormones. Thus, pregnant women experience a number of health changes. Among them are oral health changes.

What is meant by dental issues during pregnancy

During pregnancy, gums become sensitive that they may bleed, even while brushing and flossing. The risk of teeth and gum diseases increases during this phase. If the bacteria’s from inflamed gums and decayed tooth travel to the uterus through the blood stream, it may result in premature and low birth weight babies. Thus, it is very important to take proper care of gums and teeth during this period.

What are the dental issues that may occur during pregnancy

1. Pregnancy gingivitis- It is an oral health issue that is characterized by red, tender, swollen and bleeding gums. It is a very painful condition. It is very common in pregnant women.
2. Periodontitis- This is a type of gum disease that if untreated leads to periodontitis
3. Besides the above causes of bleeding of gums during pregnancy there is also a risk of developing noncancerous growth and tumors. They develop if swollen gums are irritated.
4. Tooth mobility- The bones and ligaments during that support teeth loosen and thus result in tooth mobility.
5. Dental caries-They results due to increased intake of sugar and acid reflux results.
6. Tooth erosion- As the tooth is exposed to gastric acid due to water brash and vomiting during pregnancy it causes erosion of tooth.
   

   What are the dental issues that may occur during pregnancy

What are the causes of dental issues during pregnancy

The most common reason behind the gum diseases has increased progesterone hormone level. Morning sickness during pregnancy results in acid reflux and vomiting. This exposes the tooth to gastric acids and causes erosion. Consuming of starchy and sugary foods are also important cause behind tooth decay. If you are not taking calcium supplements after 1st trimester you may suffer from calcium deficiency. This finally results in tender and swollen gums. It is more likely that your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth.

What are the causes of dental issues during pregnancy

How are dental issues during pregnancy managed

Go for a dental checkup regularly under the under supervision of your gynecologist. Give the dentist all details about a gestational week and medications. Dental x-ray is performed only if required under extreme cautions. Your dentist will make sure to shield your abdomen and chest for the safety of you and your child.

It is better to postpone unnecessary dental work during pregnancy until delivery. However, cavity filling and crowns may be done in order to reduce the spread of infection. The ideal period for a dental work to be done is the second trimester. In emergency tooth extraction cases very little anesthesia is given after taking lots of caution.

Dental Issues During Pregnancy: A Complete Guide

There are still studies going on medications that are safe to be given during pregnancy to solve dental issues. In the case of pain and infection, your dentist and gynecologist may discuss your condition and prescribe the necessary drugs that are safe for you.

What are the measures to prevent dental issues during pregnancy

Brush and floss your teeth daily 2 times. Use a soft bristled brush. Many women find it difficult to brush the teeth as it aggravates morning sickness. In this case, rinse off your mouth properly with water several times in a day. It is better if you use fluoride toothpaste. Rinse off your mouth after vomiting.

Eat a balanced diet. Include complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables. Drink lots of water. Avoid refined sugar. Take foods rich in calcium such as milk, banana, cheese and curd. Avoid acidic foods. You may take antacids after consulting your doctor in case of severe acid reflux. Avoid fast foods and caffeine.

Pregnancy is a phase where you should take extra care of yourself. If you find any changes in oral health do consult your gynecologist and dentist. Also, you may try below mentioned home remedies for symptomatic relief.

the measures to prevent dental issues during pregnancy

What are the Home Remedies to Treat Dental Issues During Pregnancy

1.Green tea- They contain antioxidants and polyphenols that prevent the formation of plaque. They also reduce the swelling of the gums. Drink green tea 2 times a day.

Green tea

2.Clove oil- This is effective in easing the pain and inflammation. Being antiseptic it fights infection. Rub the clove oil on your teeth and gums to get rid of dental issues.

Clove oil

3.Baking soda- It is very effective in neutralizing acids. Brush with baking soda and then rinse your mouth properly. This will prevent the tooth erosion caused due to acid reflux. You may also mix baking soda to your toothpaste and brush daily with it.

Baking soda

4. Sage Tea- Being antimicrobial it fights infection and eradicates a toothache caused due to bacteria. Boil a few leaves of sage in a cup of water. After 3 minutes, let the preparation cool down. Strain it and rinse your mouth properly with it.

Sage Tea

5. Triphala- This is a very effective remedy in most of the dental issues. It restricts the growth of bacteria, prevents gingivitis, the formation of plaque, tooth erosion and tooth decay. Add it in a cup of water rinse your mouth properly with it.

Triphala

Although above home remedies are not harmful still to be on the safe side, do not swallow them (except green tea) and rinse off properly.