It may sound like something out of a horror movie, but yes, oral health issues during pregnancy are one of them. many conflicts women’s experience. And unfortunately, loose teeth are one of the alarming side effects of motherhood.
So why do women get loose teeth during pregnancy, and can it cause further problems?
According to “March of Dimes”increased hormone levels lead to increased acidity in the mouth. The increased levels of progesterone and estrogen, two hormones present during pregnancy, can cause the tissue and bone around your teeth to loosen and wiggle back and forth. However, these loose teeth are only temporary.
a 2019 study published in PLoS One She said it’s common for women to think that they can even lose their teeth completely during pregnancy. While it is true that teeth can become loose, tooth loss is associated with other underlying medical conditions and dental hygiene issues.
For example, a more serious concern is periodontal disease, also known as periodontal disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to serious infection of the bone that supports your teeth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that up to: 75% of pregnant people experience gingivitis.
Periodontal disease will eventually require the tooth to be removed or removed. According to a 2016 studyWomen with periodontal disease are more likely to give birth prematurely or give birth to babies with low birth weight. The disease can also cause bacteremia, where bacteria enter the bloodstream. Bacteremia is a serious condition that requires professional help and treatment.
In 2021, a mother of four came forward. shared her story today About how her 34-year-old girlfriend wears dentures because she got cavities with each pregnancy. But experts say her case is rare.
Pregnancy increases the likelihood of oral health problems, but pregnancy itself does not necessarily lead to loose teeth, cavities, or gingivitis. of National Library of Medicine It states that tooth loss due to cavities can be caused by poor oral hygiene, improper diet, poor lifestyle habits, smoking, drug use, or undiagnosed dental disease.
Several factors can contribute to changes in your dental health during pregnancy.
Possible causes of changes in dental hygiene include:
What other dental problems may occur?
In addition to loose teeth, there are other dental problems such as cavities that are common during pregnancy. Bacteria can be passed on to the babywhich can cause problems later in your baby’s life. Babies are born without bacteria in their mouths, so cavities can be passed on to future babies and adults, potentially causing cavities.
Avoid filling cavities during pregnancy, especially amalgam and silver fillings that contain mercury. Mercury can be passed to the baby through the placenta abortion, preeclampsialow birth weight infants. If you need a cavity filled during pregnancy, get mercury-free resin fillings made of plastic and powdered glass.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums that causes redness and swelling. Usually induced by pregnancy hormones. third period And if left untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease. Gum irritation can be soothed by dissolving 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water and rinsing it off.
Vomiting from pregnancy can also cause stomach acid to erode your teeth, which can cause problems with your tooth enamel. Rinsing your teeth with a fluoride mouthwash helps establish and repair enamel.
A common misconception is that calcium Mother’s teeth are used for the baby. In fact, this is a myth. The mother’s teeth do not lose calcium during pregnancy.
Symptoms and prevention of dental problems
Not everyone experiences dental problems during pregnancy, but if you have any symptoms, please consult your doctor or consult your dentist for further treatment.
Symptoms of dental problems include bad breath, loose teeth, canker sores, receding gums, bleeding gums, pus at the gum line, toothache, and swollen gums.
Dental problems during pregnancy can be prevented with regular checkups. before getting pregnantget your teeth cleaned regularly and check with your dentist about the condition of your teeth and gums.
To maintain healthy teeth and gums during pregnancy:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Floss twice a day
- Go to the dentist every 6 months
- Eat healthy food and avoid eating too many sweets
- quit smoking
Dental hygiene is very important even if you are not pregnant. lack of dental hygiene It is associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and oral osteoporosis.
Overall, mothers-to-be need to learn how to keep themselves healthy and, in turn, their babies healthy. CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics established protect small teeth This helps establish a conversation about oral health between physicians and pregnant patients.
According to a 2011 studyChildren born to mothers with untreated cavities or missing teeth are three times more likely to develop cavities.
In other words, dental health is important. Doctors who start oral health exams early can educate and update patients about the importance of dental health during pregnancy.
Therefore, keep your gums, teeth, and toothbrushing skills up to date to prevent tooth shaking.
