How proper dental care during pregnancy protects both mother and baby
Pregnancy is a period of profound physical and emotional changes, but surprisingly, one aspect of health that is often overlooked is oral health.
88%
of pregnant women report at least one oral health problem
34%
suffer from dental caries during pregnancy
There is a widespread belief that visiting the dentist during gestation is risky or unnecessary. However, modern science tells a very different story. Contemporary research reveals that the mother's oral health is intrinsically linked not only to her general well-being but also to the healthy development of her baby 2 .
The changes your body undergoes during pregnancy make you more susceptible to certain oral conditions. Hormonal alterations, mainly the increase in estrogen and progesterone, cause an exaggerated response of the gums to bacterial plaque, frequently leading to "pregnancy gingivitis" 2 .
Morning sickness exposes teeth to gastric acids that erode enamel. Cravings for carbohydrates and sweets increase caries risk 2 .
In some cases, a lump called "epulis gravidarum" may appear on the gum. Though alarming, it's usually painless and disappears after delivery 2 .
Decreased salivary flow during pregnancy reduces saliva's natural protection against cavities 2 .
A revealing study evaluated the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice about oral health in a group of pregnant women. These types of studies, known as KAP studies, are crucial for designing effective education programs 1 .
This disconnect between knowledge and action highlights the influence of deep barriers, such as cultural myths, unfounded fears, and lack of emphasis by healthcare providers 1 5 .
Caring for your oral health during pregnancy is one of the first and most powerful acts of care for your child. Strong evidence shows that prenatal oral health interventions can drastically reduce the incidence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) 4 .
Babies are born without the bacteria that cause cavities. The initial transmission of bacteria like Streptococcus mutans frequently occurs from mother to baby through simple actions like sharing a spoon or cleaning a pacifier with the mouth. If the mother has high levels of these cariogenic bacteria, her child's risk of developing early cavities multiplies 4 .
A meta-analysis concluded that receiving oral care during pregnancy has a protective effect against cavities in children.
Achieving optimal oral health during pregnancy doesn't require complex tools, but rather the consistent and correct use of basic, accessible elements.
Essential for daily cleaning. Gums are more sensitive and may bleed, so a soft brush is less irritating.
Fluoride is the gold standard in caries prevention. It helps remineralize tooth enamel.
Removes bacterial plaque from between teeth where the brush doesn't reach. Crucial for preventing gingivitis.
May be recommended for additional plaque control, especially in cases of severe gingivitis.
Limiting consumption of sweets and refined carbohydrates is effective for controlling cavity-causing bacteria.
One of the safest, most effective public health measures to prevent cavities for both mother and future child.
Pregnancy is a unique window of opportunity to break the cycle of poor oral health that can persist from generation to generation 6 . The evidence is compelling: dental care during gestation is safe, essential, and highly effective for the well-being of the mother and her baby 6 .
Dental visits are not only permitted but strongly recommended by professional obstetric and dental associations worldwide 7 .
The second trimester is often considered the most comfortable time to receive most treatments, but emergency care can and should be provided at any stage of pregnancy 2 .
Don't let myths and fear cloud your judgment. Empower yourself with scientific knowledge, adopt simple hygiene practices, and collaborate closely with your gynecologist and dentist.