Oral health needs of Pregnant women

Provide Pregnant Women with Key Information


Explain the importance of oral hygiene and oral health care.

Explain that oral health care during pregnancy is safe and effective and that it is essential for the pregnant woman and the fetus.

Tell women that diagnosis (including necessary dental X-rays) and treatment for conditions requiring immediate attention are safe during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Inform women that necessary treatment can be provided throughout pregnancy; however, the period between the 14th and the 20th week of pregnancy is the best time to provide treatment.

Advise women that delaying necessary treatment could result in significant risk to the mother and indirectly to the fetus




The special oral health concerns of pregnant women

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Most women notice changes in their gums during pregnancy. Some women notice that their gums look redder and bleed when they brush their teeth. And some women have severe swelling and bleeding.They can start as early as the second month. The condition tends to peak around the eighth month and then taper off after the baby is born. Pregnancy gingivitis is most common in the front of the mouth. The symptoms are the same as those for gingivitis, but some of the causes are different. Increased hormone levels may be partly responsible for pregnancy gingivitis. Also, your immune system may work differently during pregnancy. This could change the way your body reacts to the bacteria that cause gingivitis.

Pregnancy Granuloma (Pyogenic Granuloma or Pregnancy Tumor)

A pregnancy granuloma is a growth on the gums that occurs in 2% to 10% of pregnant women. It is also known as a pyogenic granuloma or pregnancy tumor. Pregnancy tumors are misnamed. They are not actually tumors and are not cancerous. They are not even dangerous, although they can cause discomfort.

Pregnancy granulomas usually develop in the second trimester. They are red nodules, typically found near the upper gum line, but can also be found elsewhere in the mouth. These growths bleed easily and can form an ulcer or crust over. Pregnancy granulomas usually are attached to the gum or mucous membrane by a narrow stalk of tissue.
Tooth Erosion

In women with severe morning sickness, frequent vomiting can erode the enamel on the back of the front teeth. If you are vomiting frequently, contact your dental office for information on how to prevent enamel erosion.

Dry Mouth

Many pregnant women complain of dry mouth. You can combat dry mouth by drinking plenty of water and by using sugarless hard candies or gum to stimulate saliva secretion and keep your mouth moist.

Excessive Saliva

Less commonly, pregnant women feel they have too much saliva in their mouths. This condition occurs very early in a pregnancy. It disappears by the end of the first trimester. It may be associated with nausea.





During pregnancy:

* Brush teeth with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day,and floss once a day.

* Limit foods containing sugar to mealtimes only.

* Drink water or low-fat milk. Avoid carbonated beverages (pop or soda).

* Choose fruit rather than fruit juice to meet the recommended daily intake of fruit.

* Obtain necessary oral treatment before delivery:

1. • Diagnosis (including necessary dental X-rays) and necessary treatment can be provided throughout pregnancy; however, the period between the 14th and the 20th week of pregnancy is the best time to receive treatment.
2. • Treatment for conditions requiring immediate attention are safe during the first trimester of pregnancy. Delaying necessary treatment could result in significant risk to you, and indirectly to your baby.

* For frequent nausea and vomiting:

1. • Eat small amounts of nutritious foods throughout the day, if possible.
2. • Chew sugarless or xylitol-containing gum after meals.
3. • Rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in a cup of water after vomiting, to neutralize acid.
4. • Gently brush teeth with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day to prevent damage to demineralized tooth surfaces.