Dental care during pregnancy

Why Oral Health is so important during pregnancy

During pregnancy, good dental care is important for several reasons. The hormonal changes that occur during this time can affect dental health. In particular, there is an increased risk of inflamed gums. These inflammatory bacteria can enter the bloodstream and, in the worst case, influence pregnancy outcomes and lead to miscarriage or preterm birth or low birth weight. Therefore, expectant mothers are strongly advised to pay attention to their dental health and oral hygiene. Regular check-ups and good care can minimise the risk of dental problems.

Why are gums more susceptible to disease during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, hormones cause increased blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive and susceptible to infection from plaque and bacteria on the tooth surfaces. This can lead to inflammation of the gums known as 'pregnancy gingivitis'. If left untreated, it can lead to a more serious condition called "periodontitis" or "pyorrhoea".

What are the risks to tooth enamel during pregnancy?

Unfortunately, pregnancy also poses risks to tooth enamel. One potential risk is the increased acidity in saliva during pregnancy, which can lead to erosion of tooth enamel. This can promote tooth decay, tooth loss, sensitivity and discolouration of the teeth. Rinsing the mouth with water or a mouthwash is advisable, especially after vomiting due to morning sickness, where stomach acid can attack tooth enamel. It is also recommended to wait about half an hour after vomiting to neutralise the acid. Afterwards, the usual dental care can be continued, but one should not immediately reach for the toothbrush directly after vomiting, because the sensitive tooth enamel can be damaged even more by the brushing movements.

What diet helps the teeth during pregnancy?

As mentioned above, the teeth are much more susceptible to various dental problems during pregnancy, so in addition to good dental care, it is also important to eat a healthy diet that minimises the risk of dental diseases. In the following section, you will find some specific tips on how to eat during pregnancy.

• Make sure you get enough calcium: Calcium is an essential component for strengthening teeth and bones. Make sure you get enough from dairy products, green vegetables like broccoli and spinach, and fortified foods like cereals. Taking prenatal vitamins can also help ensure you're getting sufficient calcium and other essential nutrients during pregnancy.
• Vitamin-rich diet: Vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin A play an important role in dental health. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and prenatal vitamins are good sources of these nutrients. However, avoid excessive consumption of acidic fruits, which can further damage tooth enamel.
• Reduce sugar consumption: Excessive sugar consumption increases the risk of tooth decay. Try to avoid or minimize sugary foods and drinks. Instead, you can use natural sweeteners like xylitol. Opting for healthy snacking options during pregnancy, as recommended by pediatrics experts, can help satisfy cravings without compromising dental health.
• Drink enough: Drink enough water to rinse your mouth and stimulate saliva flow, which helps protect your teeth. Stay hydrated throughout your pregnancy, especially during the first trimester and second trimester when the body's demand for fluids increases.

When to see the dentist during pregnancy?

Good oral care during pregnancy is essential for the health of both the expectant mother and your unborn child. That's why it's important to know when you should make an appointment with your dentist or with us at the studio for an Oral HealthCheckup during pregnancy, so you can take care of any problems before they become more serious. So when exactly should pregnant women go to the dentist?

Regular checkups: It's recommended to schedule regular dental visits during pregnancy, such as an Oral HealthCheckup at ALPINE WHITE Studio, to monitor overall oral health and catch potential problems early.

For acute toothaches: If you experience toothaches or other acute dental problems during pregnancy, you should make an appointment with your dentist immediately to receive appropriate dental treatment.

For gum problems: If you notice signs of gum inflammation or bleeding, it is advisable to schedule an Oral HealthCheckup to treat possible pregnancy gingivitis, periodontal disease or other gum disease.

For dental changes: If you notice any changes in your teeth or mouth during pregnancy, such as discolouration, erosion or unusual growths, it is important to have them checked by our professional staff. Our Dental health care professionals can provide necessary treatment and address any concerns you may have about dental changes during pregnancy.

As well as visits to the dentist, dental hygiene treatments are also recommended during pregnancy as they can prevent any dental health problems before they develop. For more serious dental problems that require dental procedures, such as fillings and dental x-rays, clients are then referred to a dental practice.

Dental care tips during pregnancy

To best prevent dental problems during pregnancy, it is important to have regular dental check-ups and a healthy diet, as well as thorough dental care. Follow these tips:

Use mouthwashes or gels that contain fluoride: Fluoride hardens the tooth enamel and protects it from dental caries. In addition to brushing with a fluoridetoothpaste, fluoride-containing mouth rinses or gels can also be used during pregnancy. The fluoride it contains is safe for the baby's health.

Clean the interdental spaces thoroughly: Use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean the interdental spaces properly.

Use soft-bristled toothbrushes: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush helps to avoid unnecessary irritation of sensitive gums.

Have your teeth professionally cleaned: A professional dental cleaning at your dentist or at one of our ALPINE WHITE studios is also useful to maintain optimal oral hygiene and assure a healthy pregnancy.

Remember to rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing to remove any residue.

Optimal oral hygiene with ALPINE WHITE

For ideal oral hygiene during pregnancy, we recommend dental hygiene treatment at ALPINE WHITE. Our experienced experts offer treatments that minimise the risks of pregnancy on your teeth. Through advanced techniques and high quality care products, we ensure that your teeth and gums are optimally protected during this special time. 

Make an appointment today to experience the benefits of professional dental hygiene from ALPINE WHITE and promote your dental health during pregnancy. To get your teeth sparkling white again after pregnancy, we recommend either whitening in our studio or a treatment with our whitening products.