Table of contents:
- Mothers are prone to experiencing toothaches during pregnancy
- The impact that occurs when pregnant women experience oral and dental problems
- How to maintain healthy teeth and mouth during pregnancy
Did you know that during pregnancy you are prone to developing oral and dental diseases? Gingivitis and toothache during pregnancy may seem trivial health problems. However, it turns out that this disease can affect fetal growth and development. Then, why are mothers prone to experiencing toothaches during pregnancy? What is the impact on the fetus?
Mothers are prone to experiencing toothaches during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the level of the hormone progesterone in the body increases up to 10 times than usual. This can increase the risk of toothaches during pregnancy. Even inflammation and swelling of the gums also often attack pregnant women.
Based on data from the Indonesian Dentists Association (PDGI), gingivitis is one of the most common diseases affecting pregnant women. Usually this condition attacks in the early trimester of pregnancy, namely in the second month and peaks around the eighth month. Gingivitis or inflammation of the gums, including oral infections caused by bacteria. This condition can make the gums swell and bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can spread to other parts of the mouth.
Too high levels of the hormone progesterone can trigger the growth of bacteria in the mouth area, so it doesn't close the opportunity if you can experience toothache during pregnancy.
In addition, differences in the pH of saliva in pregnant women and non-pregnant women are different. Pregnant women have a more acidic pH of saliva. If it is not cleaned properly, of course the mouth will be the best place for disease bacteria to flourish.
Changes in the immune system that occur can also be a risk factor for various toothache problems during pregnancy. The body is less strong against all the bacteria that cause gingivitis and toothache.
The impact that occurs when pregnant women experience oral and dental problems
Even though it seems trivial, gingivitis and toothache during pregnancy can have a negative impact on the development of the fetus that is being conceived. This bacterial infection can even harm the fetus. Adverse effects that can be experienced by the fetus if the mother experiences toothache during pregnancy, namely miscarriage, prematurity, and low birth weight.
Research published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology reveals cases of gingivitis that can harm the fetus. The study found the case of a 35-year-old woman who gave birth to a lifeless baby at week 39 of pregnancy.
After being traced, the experts found the bacteria that cause gingivitis that enter the bloodstream, lungs and also the baby's stomach. This condition is thought to be the main cause of infant mortality.
How to maintain healthy teeth and mouth during pregnancy
To avoid various dangerous risks to you and the fetus due to poor oral health, from now on, pay attention to the health of your teeth and mouth. Here are various ways that you can practice to maintain the cleanliness and health of your teeth and mouth during pregnancy, namely:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- Clean your teeth with dental floss to remove leftover food between the teeth.
- Use an alcohol-free mouth wash.
- Chew gum containing xylitol 2 to 3 times a day to reduce plaque on the teeth.
- Brushing the tongue to clean bacteria and food debris that is trapped in the tongue papillae.
- Routinely go to the dentist for checkups and if necessary do extra cleaning such as removing tartar.
- Gargle with baking soda to clean the teeth from the acid that rises from the stomach to the mouth when vomiting (morning sickness).
- Limit your intake of foods and drinks that contain sugar.
