Oral hygiene in pregnancy

Prevent underestimated risks with proper oral care

06/19/2012

Hormonal changes, changing moods, food cravings - a pregnancy brings about physical changes that do not spare teeth and gums. Thus, the oral cavity reacts to hormonal changes, which, among other things, causes an increased, acidic salivation and morning sickness, particularly sensitive. Common side effects of expectant mothers: bleeding gums. Left untreated, this can lead to periodontitis, which also affects the baby's health through the mother's blood. Pregnant women must therefore take their oral hygiene very seriously and prevent bacterial infections.

From the beginning, regular visits to the dentist provide optimal conditions for pregnancy without complications. Dentists control teeth and gums, remove germinating caries and treat possible sources of inflammation. In addition, they guide their patients to the right prophylaxis. „Lack of oral hygiene favors gum bleeding - a typical symptom of so-called pregnancy gingivitis. Unnoticed, it triggers a periodontal disease, which in the worst case leads to tooth loss“, warns Jens Thomsen, dentist and prophylaxis expert of Oral-Prevent from Hamburg. In addition, studies show that mother's chronic gingivitis increases the risk of prematurity and underweight newborns more than sevenfold. These dangers reduce expectant mothers with more effective home-based oral hygiene, for example, by cleaning interdental spaces. „Toothbrushes do not reach the entire surface, so that interdental brushes in addition to conventional brushes are considered the most important cleaning utensils. Used daily, they minimize gingivitis“, emphasizes Thomsen.

In addition to interdental brushes (for example from Oral Prevent) soft toothbrushes are also among the important cleaning utensils. Too hard or worn bristles will quickly cause injury to the gums. Since pregnancy is accompanied by an increased mucosal blood flow in conjunction with a loosening of the tissue, the gums are particularly sensitive anyway. „Expectant mothers pay attention when brushing their teeth on fluoridated toothpaste, because fluorine deposits on the tooth surface, makes it resistant and avoids attack points for bacteria“, complements the prophylaxis expert. The body produces more acidic saliva during pregnancy, which attacks the enamel. Women who have a lot of nausea and vomiting frequently should not brush their teeth immediately, as the strong acid attacks the enamel. Rinse your mouth with clear water or a fluoridated mouth rinse and rinse half an hour later.