By Lee Shou Yin

When it comes to dental care during pregnancy, some believe you should avoid seeing the dentist altogether to avoid dangerous dental X-rays or fillings that may affect the baby’s wellbeing. Others believe that visiting the dentist to get proper dental treatment while you are expecting is the healthier approach. We give you the true story behind dental care for mums-to-be.

Higher risk of dental problems

An expectant mum experiences hormonal changes to her body, which puts her at a higher risk of developing gum problems. Hence, many would-be mothers may notice that their gums become red, puffy or tender and tend to bleed more easily and more often when they brush their teeth.

A study by the University of North Carolina showed that women with periodontal disease (serious gum disease) were seven times more likely to have a baby born too early or too small. The researchers believe that the bacteria which causes periodontal disease, enter the bloodstream through the mouth and travel to the uterus, causing the body to produce prostaglandins – chemicals which are released by the body to trigger the start of labour – resulting in premature labour and birth.

To prevent gum diseases during pregnancy, maintaining a high level of oral hygiene is crucial. Remember to brush and floss your teeth daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. Visit the dentist regularly for checkups and routine cleaning. Don’t forget to inform your dentist that you are pregnant, so he or she may advise you on the correct way of caring for your teeth to prevent gum bleeds and swelling.

Another common gum problem for expectant mums is pregnancy granuloma or tumour. These are benign (non-cancerous) overgrowths of gum tissue which appear on the gums during the second trimester and are not dangerous. These growths are usually found in between the teeth and may be caused by excess plaque. They usually disappear before the baby is born. However, if the swellings interfere with your speech or cause discomfort when eating, they may need to be surgically removed. To prevent the build up of plaque on your gums and avoid developing growths on you gums, it is a good idea to visit your dentist to clean your teeth thoroughly before your second trimester.

Visiting the dentist

Although pregnancy often puts women at a higher risk of developing dental problems, many mums-to-be are hesitant to visit the dentists. They fear that dental procedures may harm the baby. This is only partially true.

In general, standard procedures such as cleaning and scaling is safe and essential for expectant mums, to help them combat dental problems that arise during pregnancy. However, some dental treatments may be best avoided until after the birth of your child.

For example, if you require an amalgam filling or a top-up of an old-filling, dentists would recommend waiting until after delivery to do this. Or, if you require a dental X-ray, some dentists may also try to avoid this during pregnancy. Cosmetic treatments, such as teeth whitening, should also be postponed until after delivery to avoid exposing the developing baby to any risks.

That said, depending on your condition, your dentist may need to proceed with a dental X-ray for critical treatment. In general, dental X-rays are extremely low on radiation and are directed away from the abdomen area so there’s little risk that the baby would be affected. But as an additional precaution, a dentist would usually use lead aprons to cover the abdomen area to minimise any radiation to the area. When in doubt, always check with your dentist for professional assessment and advice.

Some expectant mums also wonder if it is alright to undergo extractions during their pregnancy. If you need to remove your tooth, make an appointment to see your dentist to assess your condition properly. Generally, tooth extractions are safe during pregnancy but ensure that your dentist is fully aware of your condition, any medication you may be taking or any allergies you might have.

If anesthesia is required, the dosage should be as little as possible, but still enough to make you comfortable. Bear in mind that when you are comfortable, the amount of stress on you, as well as your baby is lowered tremendously.

As a rule of thumb, the second trimester is most ideal for dental work. This is because the first trimester is when the baby’s organs are developing so you would want to minimise exposure to any risks. And once you reach the third trimester, it may be very difficult to lie on your back for an extended period of time, which makes visiting the dentist uncomfortable.

Eat well for better teeth

Besides maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly, an expectant mum should have a healthy and balanced diet to ensure that both you and your baby have healthy teeth. Take plenty of milk and other dairy products, as well as green leafy vegetables and bony fish (such as sardines) to increase your calcium intake for stronger teeth. At the same time, cut out sugary snacks and drinks to prevent tooth decay.

More importantly, avoid drinking alcohol or smoking during pregnancy. Studies have shown that smoking and consuming alcohol increases the probability of giving birth to underweight babies, who may face a greater risk of having poor teeth due to difficulties in forming enamel.