Pregnancy brings many physical and hormonal changes, often promoting you to consider health issues you may not have thought about for a while – including oral health.
The shift in hormones and even eating habits during pregnancy can lead to tender gums and calcium deficiency, which can wreak havoc on your dental health. Not to mention morning sickness eroding tooth enamel.
Whether you have dentures already, or you’re on the path to getting them, if you’re pregnant, you might be wondering whether they’re safe. We’re here to ease your mind.
Oral Health and Pregnancy
Routine dental care is always a must, whether you’re pregnant or not.
Routine dental care is key to picking up issues during pregnancy. Research from the University of Sydney shows that pregnancy triggers high rates of gingivitis. This can result in low birth weights or premature births if not treated. You may have gingivitis if regular toothbrushing causes bleeding or your gums are sore and inflamed.
Regular vomiting due to morning sickness can also cause problems for your teeth, with the acid likely to erode the enamel layer and then your teeth. It’s important to brush your teeth around 30 minutes after vomiting to reduce the acidity in the mouth. Hormone changes also increase the risk of cavities and may cause loose teeth. If you notice any dental issues, you should visit your dentist.
Understanding Dentures
Dentures are designed to restore missing teeth – whether you opt for a full set or partial dentures. Partial dentures, in particular, bridge the gap between one or several missing teeth, which is why they are often referred to as a bridge. They are key to restoring your bite, protecting your jawbone, and giving you a smile you feel comfortable sharing.
A full set of removable dentures is fitted for people missing all of their teeth, while partial dentures are for patients with some natural teeth. With complete dentures, immediate dentures are positioned to help the mouth heal after tooth extractions. Conventional dentures are made for the healed mouth, which usually takes around three months.
Safety of Dentures During Pregnancy
Hormone changes during pregnancy can lead to tooth loss or damage that requires extraction. It’s safe for this treatment to be carried out from the second trimester on. In this case, you may need a new denture. It is generally safe to proceed provided you meet the health requirements.
In addition, gum disease requires immediate treatment, whether you’re pregnant or not. If the gum disease is irritated by your denture, you must stop wearing it for a time. Your dentist can advise, but treatment will likely be needed to resolve the issue before you can wear it again.
Remember that many issues, such as gingivitis, will clear up after the baby is born, so your gum disease isn’t necessarily here to stay. Provided you wear properly fitted dentures and look after them properly, it is generally safe to do so during pregnancy.
Oral Health Care During Pregnancy
Good oral health is the key to preventing gingivitis and other dental issues during pregnancy. Start with brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. It may be uncomfortable, especially if your gums are inflamed, but a soft brush should do the trick.
If you are vomiting due to morning sickness, brush your teeth 30 minutes after you are sick. This should reduce the acidic environment and prevent tooth erosion.
You should speak to your dentist about visiting regularly for check-ups. Some people require more regular visits and your dentist will advise you on how best to proceed.
Denture Maintenance During Pregnancy
If you have dentures and are pregnant, then the cleaning and maintenance required don’t change much. You should increase brushing in line with your oral hygiene routine to counteract the changing hormones. The key to denture maintenance during pregnancy is maintaining well-fitted dentures. So, if there are any issues with the fit or you damage your denture, you should visit the dentist immediately for emergency denture repairs.
Consulting a Dentist
Speak to your dentist as soon as possible for personalised advice. Your dentist knows your oral history and can address any concerns you may have while looking out for potential issues.
Risks of Neglecting Oral Health
The hormone changes experienced during pregnancy can increase plaque growth, leading to gingivitis if proper care isn’t taken. The research from the University of Sydney shows how important it is to follow a regular dental check-up schedule and practice good oral hygiene. It could possibly impact your unborn child and permanently damage your teeth if you don’t.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining oral health is always important, but it takes on new importance during pregnancy. With so many bodily changes, your teeth are under more pressure and maintaining them takes a lot more work.
Unfortunately, many will put off treatment until they have the baby, even if there’s an issue. It’s safe to seek dental treatment while pregnant, and addressing dental problems quickly is always better.
If you want to know about the cost of dentures or discuss denture repair, Aesthetic Dental and Denture Clinic can help! Contact us today to discuss your options, whether for emergency denture repair, removable partial dentures or the cost and process. If you are pregnant and have concerns about dentures or oral health, Aesthetic Dental and Denture Clinic have clinics in Camden, Goulburn, and Tamworth and you can book a free consultation today.
