Along with a healthy diet and folic acid supplements, looking after your teeth and gums should be a routine part of preparing for a healthy pregnancy. Poor oral health, can affect your general health and that of your baby. A recent US study linked gum disease with a seven-fold increase risk of premature delivery.

Smoking during pregnancy can worsen gum disease and further increase the risk of your baby being born prematurely or having a low birth weight.

Prevention is better than cure so if you are planning to become pregnant, or have just found out that you are pregnant, make an early visit to your dentist a top priority. During this visit, your dentist will:

• Give you a simple oral health routine to follow through your pregnancy.
• Show you how to clean your teeth and gums.
• Discuss any urgent treatment you may require.

Book follow-up checks while you are there and contact your dentist with any dental concerns you may have in the meantime.

Will my teeth benefit from a calcium supplement during pregnancy?

A balanced, nutritious diet, with plenty of fruit and vegetables will provide the minerals and vitamins for good oral health and the normal development of your baby’s teeth, which begin to form six weeks after conception.

The most important vitamins and minerals for good oral health are: vitamins A, C, and D, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, protein. A healthy, balanced diet throughout your pregnancy should provide all your requirements.
There is no need to take calcium supplements during pregnancy.

• Dairy products, as part of a normal healthy diet will provide all the calcium you need for your baby’s developing teeth and bones.

• Your teeth will not be affected if there is a shortage of calcium in your diet; your body will supply any shortfall from reserve supplies in your bones.

• Drink plenty of water and avoid soft drinks as much as possible.

Is it true that morning sickness can damage my teeth?

Morning sickness, which is a common experience for many women in the early months of pregnancy, causes tooth erosion. This causes the removal of the top layer of enamel (white hard surface on the outside of the tooth).
Eating dry crackers or toast first thing in the morning and eating 4 or 5 smaller meals throughout the day can help keep nausea at bay.

If you do vomit:

• Rinse out your mouth afterwards with water, a fluoride mouth rinse or a rinse of sodium bicarbonate (Baking Soda). This will neutralise the damaging effects of stomach acids on your teeth: tooth erosion, sensitivity and decay.

• Do not brush your teeth after vomiting, as weakened enamel will be brushed away.

If snacking to ease nausea:

• Snack on healthy foods like fruit, yoghurt, crackers or a sandwich.

• Place a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste on the teeth or rinse with a fluoride mouthwash after snacking.

My gums bleed easily when brushing – is this normal?

During pregnancy, your gums become slightly swollen, red and tender. They may bleed easily when brushed. This is due to hormonal changes, which cause the blood vessels in your gums to become enlarged and more reactive to the toxins produced by plaque bacteria.

Occasionally, especially if you are a smoker, the swelling and tenderness may get worse at particular sites in the mouth where your cleaning is inadequate.

Outgrowths of red gum tissue, with a mulberry like appearance, may occur at sites between the teeth. These are called pregnancy tumours and are caused by plaque bacteria. Although they bleed easily, they are usually harmless and most shrink following childbirth. Any remnants can be easily removed by your dentist after childbirth.
To avoid unwanted swelling and infection in your gums, brush your teeth and gums gently and carefully and floss daily.

Is it safe to have dental treatment during pregnancy?

If you need any essential dental treatment, the best time for this is during the second trimester, between the fourth and sixth month. Non-emergency dental treatment is usually avoided during the first three months of pregnancy, while the baby’s organs are developing and during the final three months when excess stress may induce premature labour.

However, if you are having dental problems during the first or last trimester, visit your dentist for advice. Any dental treatment or medication that you need can be arranged safely by your dentist with the assistance of your doctor.

Is dental treatment free during pregnancy?

Dental treatment is still not free for pregnant women in this country unless you hold a medical card. If you are entitled to Dental Treatment Benefit with your PRSI you may avail of a free dental examination and cleaning free of charge. Charges apply for other treatments. The cost of having a private dental check-up can vary from 60 to 120 Euro.