Physical Changes of the Mouth During Pregnancy: What Every Expectant Mother Should Know
You may be surprised with changes in the mouth and nose, all because of pregnancy. Really, these changes are a result of the hormonal differences in your body during pregnancy. The tissues inside the nose and mouth swell because of greater blood supply. An expectant mom may experience symptoms because of these changes, so it’s helpful to know what to possibly expect.
Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy: The Mouth
A pregnant mom may experience:
- Gum swelling (edema)
- Bleeding gums
- Taste change
- Mouth discomfort
The Mouth
Dental hygiene is important for expectant moms. Do everything you would do to care for your teeth prior to pregnancy and remove plaque buildup from foods. Brush your teeth at least twice daily. Flossing is acceptable if your gums don’t bleed too much. Mouthwash is fine and can help prevent gum disease, but make sure that the mouthwash does not contain alcohol. Gum swelling may also be improved by rinsing your mouth with Epsom salts dissolved in warm water (but don’t swallow the water).
Dental Care in Pregnancy
There is a myth that pregnancy causes more cavities. That statement is not true, but don’t hesitate to keep your usual appointments with your dentist and dental hygienist. Of course, you should let your dental office know that you are pregnant at the time of your appointment. Preventive care and routine teeth cleaning with a hygienist are safe for pregnancy. Some evaluations may be postponed until after the baby is born, such as routine x-rays. If x-rays are vital for urgent care, the abdomen can be protected by a lead apron. Fortunately, dental x-rays are performed with lower doses of radiation.
Sometimes, circumstances may require antibiotic treatment for a dental infection that develops while a woman is pregnant. Procedures as filling a dental cavity or pulling a tooth may be needed. Most routine dental procedures can be performed with local anesthesia that is administered by injection near the nerves to the area of the mouth needing treatment. Local anesthesia with numbing medicine (for example, lidocaine) is acceptable in pregnancy and does not require cardiac monitoring or fetal monitoring.
Pain medication is also a possible need based upon the dental problem and care. There are rare situations in which the dental problem is serious for the mom and must be treated despite pregnancy. General anesthesia is preferably avoided in pregnancy unless critical for the necessary care. Cardiac monitoring is a part of general anesthesia.
Morning Sickness and the Mouth
Morning sickness can be a difficult symptom of pregnancy. It is not a sign that the pregnancy is abnormal. The symptoms can vary from a minor inconvenience to a major complication for the mom’s health. Some women only experience nausea at various times during the day. Those women with mild symptoms are usually able to work around the symptoms by restricting their diet with food and drink during the worst nausea and occasional vomiting.
Extreme nausea and relentless vomiting are extreme and unusual manifestations of morning sickness. Symptoms to this degree are miserable. Chronic vomiting can erode the teeth because the gastric juices are highly acidic. If the mom vomits a lot, there are steps to protect the teeth after vomiting. First, the mouth should be rinsed with water or a mild mouthwash solution (without alcohol). Don’t immediately brush your teeth after vomiting to allow gum inflammation to improve. The teeth enamel could be easily scratched after vomiting. Some women find that chewing gum can help with the nausea.
Nutrition and the Mouth
Everyone knows that good nutrition is important in pregnancy for the baby’s benefit. There are some healthy dietary tips for the mom, too. Most of the dietary recommendations make sense for the mom’s well-being including good dental health.
- Calcium intake
Foods that are rich in calcium, such as dairy products and yogurt, contribute to strong teeth. These foods are also important for the baby’s bone development.
- Watch the sweets!
Limit foods and drinks that are high in sugar. Cavities in teeth are linked to a diet that is rich in these kinds of sweet treats.
- High fiber
Raw vegetables as celery and carrots are high in fiber. They act like a natural toothbrush as the fiber comes into contact with the surface of the teeth.
- Watch the acidic food
Food tastes better if it has a good acidic balance. Some foods are naturally acidic as tomatoes, citrus fruits, and vinegars used in salad dressings.
- Being cautious with acidic foods that can erode enamel
Advantages: Making informed dietary choices during pregnancy offers dual benefits. It not only ensures the baby’s healthy development but also promotes strong and healthy teeth for the mother. By understanding the impact of various foods on dental health, expectant mothers can make choices that benefit their oral environment. This holistic approach ensures that both nutritional and dental needs are met, promoting overall health and well-being.
Conclusion: Understanding and prioritizing dental health during pregnancy offers numerous advantages. It ensures the well-being of both the mother and the baby, prevents potential dental complications, and promotes overall health. By informing the dentist about the pregnancy, one can receive tailored care. Regular dental hygiene practices, combined with a balanced diet, act as preventive measures against potential issues. Moreover, with the advancements in dental technology and treatments, many procedures and medications remain safe, ensuring that expectant mothers can maintain optimal dental health throughout their pregnancy journey.
Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy: The Nose
A pregnant mom may experience:
- Nosebleeds
- Stuffy nose
- Nose discomfort
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
The Nose
One of the first signs of pregnancy is a nosebleed. It has a lot to do with the increased blood supply to the nasal membranes because of the pregnancy hormones. Nasal stuffiness will also occur which changes how easy you normally breathe through your nose. Often, pregnant women will start breathing through their mouth, too. Then, they may have the sensation that their mouth is dry.
Diet and Dental Health Diet plays a pivotal role during pregnancy, influencing not just the baby’s development but also the mother’s dental health. While some foods can be detrimental, others can be beneficial. Being informed and making the right dietary choices can promote strong and healthy teeth.
- Limiting sugary snacks and beverages
- Being cautious with acidic foods that can erode enamel
- Consuming calcium-rich foods for dental benefits
- Including crunchy vegetables in the diet for natural teeth cleaning
Advantages: Making informed dietary choices during pregnancy offers dual benefits. It not only ensures the baby’s healthy development but also promotes strong and healthy teeth for the mother. By understanding the impact of various foods on dental health, expectant mothers can make choices that benefit their oral environment. This holistic approach ensures that both nutritional and dental needs are met, promoting overall health and well-being.
Conclusion: Understanding and prioritizing dental health during pregnancy offers numerous advantages. It ensures the well-being of both the mother and the baby, prevents potential dental complications, and promotes overall health. By informing the dentist about the pregnancy, one can receive tailored care. Regular dental hygiene practices, combined with a balanced diet, act as preventive measures against potential issues. Moreover, with the advancements in dental technology and treatments, many procedures and medications remain safe, ensuring that expectant mothers can maintain optimal dental health throughout their pregnancy journey.
