Pregnancy Gingivitis and Toothache During Pregnancy? Here's What Mums-to-Be Need to Know About Taking Care of Their Oral Health

Is dental anaesthesia safe during pregnancy? What dental procedures are allowed while pregnant? We get many such queries from expecting mums on theAsianparent app. Learn more about dental care during pregnancy in this article. 

Why Oral Health Is Important During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it’s also essential to take care of your oral health during this period. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your gums more sensitive, leading to pregnancy gingivitis, a condition characterised by inflammation and bleeding of the gums.

Some mums tend to take their regular dental appointments for granted during pregnancy.

This may be due to an old wives’ tale that says going to the dentist while pregnant is risky for developing babies and mums-to-be.

However, the opposite is true—good dental hygiene is part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone. During pregnancy, several oral health issues are common:

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your gums more vulnerable to plaque, leading to inflammation and bleeding. This is also called pregnancy gingivitis or gum disease.
• You may find that your gums bleed easily, especially when you brush your teeth. Between the second and eighth months of pregnancy, you may be experiencing bleeding gums. 
• Pregnancy also increases the risk of developing periodontitis (gum infection) due to the increase in estrogen and progesterone. 

Maintaining good dental care is crucial for both your well-being and that of your baby. Here’s what you need to know about dental care during pregnancy:

Periodontitis and Pregnancy Gingivitis

Pregnancy gingivitis is primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy. These hormonal changes can make your gums more susceptible to plaque buildup, leading to gum inflammation and irritation.

Periodontitis is a more severe form of pregnancy gingivitis, involving the destruction of the supporting bone structure surrounding the teeth. This may result in your teeth becoming shaky.

If left untreated, you may even lose the affected teeth. In fact, according to studies, periodontitis is linked to preterm labour and low birth weight.

Dental caries may also occur due to changes in diet such as increased snacking, increased acidity in the mouth due to vomiting, dry mouth or poor oral hygiene stemming from nausea and vomiting.

Most importantly, some experts believe there might be an association between periodontal disease, pregnancy gingivitis, and poor pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and preeclampsia.

Symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis include: 

• Swollen and tender gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

For this reason alone, pregnant women really need to take care of their oral health and avoid delaying any dental treatments if needed. 

Toothache During Pregnancy

One common issue among expectant mums is toothache. Toothaches can be uncomfortable and worrisome, but understanding the causes and seeking appropriate care can help ensure a smooth dental experience during this precious time.

Causes of Toothache During Pregnancy

 Toothaches during pregnancy can be attributed to several factors:

1. Gingivitis: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can lead to gingivitis, which is characterised by swollen and bleeding gums. The body’s exaggerated response to plaque due to increased hormone levels contributes to this condition.
2. Increased Tooth Sensitivity: Some women may experience gastric reflux and morning sickness during pregnancy, exposing their teeth to stomach acids. These acids can erode the tooth surface, causing increased sensitivity and raising the risk of tooth decay.
3. Gag Reflex and Brushing Challenges: Pregnant women might find it difficult to brush their teeth due to an exacerbated gag reflex. This can make oral hygiene challenging and may require certain adjustments in brushing techniques.
4. Cravings for Sugary Foods: Pregnancy cravings can lead to increased consumption of sugary foods, which can elevate the risk of tooth decay if not managed properly.
5. Fatigue and Dental Neglect: Exhaustion during pregnancy may lead to neglect of oral hygiene practices, which can contribute to dental issues.

Toothache Complications on Pregnancy

Ignoring toothaches during pregnancy can have significant consequences and potentially affect both the expectant mother’s well-being and the baby’s health. Dental issues left untreated can lead to various complications that may cause discomfort and stress during this precious time.

1. Increased Discomfort and Pain

An untreated toothache can worsen over time, leading to increased discomfort and pain. Pregnancy itself can already bring physical discomfort, and dealing with tooth pain can exacerbate the overall discomfort experienced by expectant mothers.

2. Difficulty Eating and Speaking

Toothaches can make eating and speaking challenging. The pain and sensitivity may deter pregnant women from eating certain foods, leading to potential nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, dental discomfort can affect speech and communication, making everyday activities more difficult.

3. Sleep Disturbances 

Toothaches can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep disturbances and further fatigue. Adequate rest is crucial during pregnancy, and untreated toothaches can hinder the ability to get quality sleep.

4. Impact on the Baby’s Health

Prolonged stress and discomfort due to untreated toothaches can potentially affect the baby’s health. Stress during pregnancy has been associated with adverse outcomes, and it is essential to manage discomfort and maintain emotional well-being for the sake of both the mother and the baby.

5. Potential Infection and Spread

An untreated toothache may indicate an underlying dental issue, such as an infection or decay. If left unaddressed, the infection can spread to other teeth or surrounding tissues, leading to more severe dental problems.

6. Preterm Birth Risk 

Studies have shown that pregnant mothers with gum disease (a common consequence of untreated toothaches) are at a higher risk of preterm birth and delivering babies with low birth weight. Preterm birth can pose various health challenges for the baby.

7. General Health Complications

Dental problems left untreated can affect the expectant mother’s overall health, potentially leading to complications that may require medical intervention.

To avoid these potential complications, it is crucial for pregnant women to prioritise their oral health and seek timely dental care. Regular dental checkups, even during pregnancy, are recommended. Dental treatment can be safely provided during pregnancy, and non-emergent dental work is typically planned for after the first trimester.

Dentists are trained to provide care that is safe for both the expectant mother and the baby. Precautions are taken during dental procedures to ensure the well-being of both.

Are Dental Procedures Safe During Pregnancy

According to Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M.D.,  an obstetrician-gynaecologist from UT Southwestern Medical Center, treatment during every trimester is safe.

• The first trimester is the most critical period in your baby’s development, so best to wait until this stage has passed before doing any dental treatments.
• The second trimester is considered the safest trimester in which to get dental treatment.
• Meanwhile, dental treatment during the third trimester is still safe, but pregnant mums may find it uncomfortable to be sitting for long periods on a dental chair. 

Delaying non-emergency dental work

It is best to delay any non-emergency dental work (such as teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures), until after delivery. In case of urgency, always ensure your dentist knows you are pregnant. 

You must avoid amalgam as much as possible. An alternative filling material will be used in order to prevent mercury toxicity. The filling is usually tooth-coloured resins which do not contain mercury. 

If you need a dental X-ray, your dentist will usually wait until you’ve had your baby, even though most dental X-rays do not affect the tummy (abdomen) or pelvic area.

 The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology says that all dental X-ray examinations (with the usual leaded shielding over the abdomen and thyroid) are safe during pregnancy.

Your dentist will also cover your throat with a leaded collar to protect your thyroid from radiation.

Should you be required to have one, it’s important that you tell your dentist and the health practitioner that you’re pregnant before X-rays are done so the staff can provide a special garment or device to shield your pelvis and abdomen from exposure.

Toothache Medicine for Pregnant Women

Also, dental work often requires antibiotics to prevent or treat infections. Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin, which are labelled category B for safety in pregnancy, may be prescribed after your procedure.

If you were undergoing braces treatment and got pregnant, adjustment of the braces is safe throughout pregnancy. However, it is not recommended to fit new braces during pregnancy.

Is Dental Anaesthesia Safe During Pregnancy

It is essential that you inform your dentist about your pregnancy so they can choose suitable anaesthetics and set appropriate levels.

According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the use of local anaesthesia (lidocaine with or without epinephrine) is safe during pregnancy. 

According to a 2015 study in the Journal of the American Dental Association, a group of pregnant women who had procedures that used anaesthetics like lidocaine shots and a group that did not.

The study showed these treatments were safe during pregnancy, as they cause no difference in the rate of miscarriages, birth defects, prematurity or weight of the baby. According to study author Dr Hagai,

“Our study identified no evidence to show that dental treatment with anaesthetics is harmful during pregnancy.

We aimed to determine if there was a significant risk associated with dental treatment with anaesthesia and pregnancy outcomes. We did not find any such risk.”

Can I Get a Tooth Pulled When Pregnant

As far as possible, your dentist will try to save your tooth.

However, if your tooth is too severely damaged by decay or injury, it could put your oral and overall health at risk and is best removed.

Bacteria from a bad tooth infection could spread throughout your bloodstream.

Your dentist is likely to recommend the second trimester as the ideal time for a tooth extraction.

That way you can avoid having X-rays in the crucial first trimester, as well as the discomfort of having to lie on your back for prolonged periods during the third trimester.

Is It Okay to Do a Root Canal During Pregnancy

When tooth decay reaches the inside of your tooth where the nerve endings are, it can get extremely painful. 

In root canal treatment,  you repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected.

During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

The tooth is fitted with a natural-looking crown. This eliminates the need for tooth extraction. A root canal treatment should not be delayed at any stage of pregnancy,

However, because X-rays are involved, the ideal time for treatment is during the second trimester.

Can I Whiten My Teeth During Pregnancy

It is best to delay teeth whitening and other non-emergency cosmetic dental procedures until after delivery. This treatment should be especially avoided during the third trimester

You may find it uncomfortable to lie still on your back while the whitening gel is applied and cured.

If you’re using a home teeth whitening kit, do make sure that you check that the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is no more than six per cent.

Can I Have an Orthodontic Treatment During Pregnancy

If you are already undergoing orthodontic treatment, you can continue it during pregnancy.

Due to hormonal changes, some pregnant women may experience swelling of the gums or pregnancy gingivitis, which can sometimes cause irritation from brace wires and brackets. Your dentist might provide safe gels to help numb the pain.

Your dentist may recommend that you wait until after delivery when you have new braces fitted during pregnancy. 

This is because fitting braces require X-rays, which you want to avoid as much as possible during pregnancy.

Also, you gain weight during pregnancy, which is likely to alter the shape of your face and mouth and make adjusting and fitting braces more complicated.

Taking Care of Your Teeth During Pregnancy

Here’s how you can look after your teeth and gums to avoid pregnancy gingivitis: 

Dental care

• Clean your teeth carefully twice a day for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste. 
• Floss once a day to remove small bits of food from between your teeth, which will help to prevent the build-up of plaque.
• If you have morning sickness, drink water or rinse out your mouth after vomiting. Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
• A daily salt rinse (1 teaspoon of salt added to a cup of warm water) can help reduce gum inflammation. Swirl the wash around your mouth a few times before spitting it out (do not swallow).
• Do not wait for symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis or a toothache before you go to the dentist. If you’re due a checkup and a cleaning before getting pregnant, follow through with that. That is also a good time to ask your dentist for proper oral care during pregnancy.

To maintain complete oral health, consider incorporating Listerine – Total Care Mouthwash into your routine. With its advanced formula, this mouthwash offers six benefits in one, helping to prevent plaque build-up, reduce gum inflammation, and promote overall oral hygiene.

Lifestyle 

• If you have morning sickness (nausea and vomiting), avoid brushing your teeth straight after morning sickness, as they will be softened by the acid from your stomach. This can damage the enamel surface of your teeth.
  Instead, rinse your mouth with water and wait for about an hour before brushing. This will help prevent the acid in your vomit from damaging your teeth.
  You can also rinse with a baking soda solution. You may need one tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in 1 cup of water) to neutralise the acid.
• Avoid having sugary drinks (such as fizzy drinks, soda or sweet tea) and sugary foods too often.
  
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially between meals and snacks.
  
• If you’re hungry between meals, snack on foods such as vegetables, fresh fruit or plain yoghurt, and avoid sugary or acidic foods. 

Remember, maintaining good oral health during pregnancy is essential for both your well-being and that of your baby. By following these tips and seeking professional dental care, you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile throughout your pregnancy journey.

Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.