Pregnancy Can Affect Oral Health

Jennifer Wider, M.D.
Society for Women's Health Research
October 15, 2009

If you are pregnant, don’t ignore your teeth!  Just like the other changes that occur in a woman’s body, pregnancy can affect a woman’s oral health. 

During pregnancy, hormone levels are elevated and as a result, dental issues can arise.  These high levels of hormones, particularly progesterone, can make the teeth more susceptible to plaque and bacteria.  The gums get red and swollen and bleed more easily.  This is sometimes referred to as “pregnancy gingivitis.”  Studies show that gingivitis is more common between the second to eighth months of pregnancy.

Gingivitis isn’t the only problem.  Some pregnant women experience the overgrowth of gum tissue, which can appear as swollen, red bumps between the teeth.  It often shows up during the second trimester and is related to excess plaque.  The overgrown tissue tends to bleed easily during and after pregnancy and does not usually resolve once the baby is born.  It often requires surgical removal after delivery.

“Women who have had issues with their gums during pregnancy are more likely to experience problems afterward,” explains Sally Cram, DDS, spokesperson for the American Dental Association.  So, women shouldn’t assume that oral problems go away right after delivery.  Even after the baby arrives, if a woman is nursing, the hormone levels remain high and this can cause the same swelling and bleeding that she experienced during the pregnancy. 

Certain women are at higher risk for gum problems during pregnancy than other women.  Women who have issues with their gums during puberty and/or their monthly periods are more likely to experience problems during and after pregnancy.  In addition women who smoke, have poorly controlled diabetes, or have suppressed immune systems are likely to suffer from gum disease.

And it’s not just mom at risk.  “Recent studies have shown a relationship between pre-term babies and mothers with untreated gum disease,” says Dr. Cram.  That’s why it is so important to maintain good oral health before, during and after pregnancy.

Here is a list of guidelines by the American Dental Association (ADA) for soon-to-be/pregnant women:

• Brush teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush (avoid hard bristles which can exacerbate gum bleeding)
• Floss or use interdental cleaners once a day
• See your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups during and after the pregnancy
• When choosing oral care products, look for those with American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance to make sure the product meets ADA standards of safety and effectiveness.
• If you have a pre-existing oral health problem and plan to get pregnant, speak with your dentist about ways to keep the problems in check.

 © October 15, 2009  Society for Women’s Health Research