In pregnancy, the likelihood of various dental and oral diseases increases. The easy way to address this complexity is to ensure oral hygiene. Consulting a dentist or a dental specialist alongside is also important.

Various problems of teeth and gums during pregnancy

During pregnancy you may notice some changes inside the mouth.

1. Your gums may become swollen.
2. Bleeding from the gums.
3. Toothaches.
4. Formation of small cavities in the teeth.
5. Development of tooth decay.
6. Sensitivity or pain in the teeth, which can even worsen or lead to infection.

When are teeth and gum problems during pregnancy?

The first trimester of pregnancy can be a time when some women experience bleeding or spotting. However, this problem usually worsens as the pregnancy progresses. The occurrence of bleeding and spotting is most common during the third trimester.

If proper medical attention is not sought, it can lead to infections in the uterus and mouth. This can even affect the teeth. Such infections may spread throughout the body.

What causes gums in pregnancy?

There are some reasons behind gum problems during pregnancy. For example –

1. Hormonal Changes: During pregnancy, the levels of some hormones in your body increase significantly. As a result, various changes occur in your body. One of these changes is a shift in the balance of bacteria inside your mouth. This can lead to inflammation in your gums and even bleeding. It may also weaken your teeth, increasing the likelihood of dental problems.

2. Dietary Changes: Your eating habits and sugar consumption may change during pregnancy. This can lead to the formation of plaque on your teeth, tooth decay, and an increased risk of cavities or gum disease.

3. Vomiting During Pregnancy: If you experience morning sickness or vomiting during pregnancy, the stomach acid in vomit can harm your teeth. This can lead to various dental issues in both your teeth and gums.

Effects on the unborn child

Research has found associations between dental issues in expectant mothers during pregnancy and the possibility of preterm birth and low birth weight in babies. However, the specific ways in which a mother's dental and gum issues impact the unborn child have not been definitively established.

Studies have linked maternal mortality during pregnancy to gum disease, premature birth and low birth weight. However, the amount of research in this regard is also insufficient. If you experience any dental or gum issues it is advisable to seek prompt medical advice from a dentist.

Mothers who do not receive proper dental care despite experiencing dental plaque or cavities may have an increased likelihood of their children developing cavities in their baby teeth during early childhood, which is more than three times higher.

What are the Treatment of teeth and gums during pregnancy

To reduce the burning sensation, a dentist can provide you with antibiotics or mouthwash to use in your mouth. These antibiotics and mouthwash are generally safe for pregnant women. However, you must inform your doctor about possibility of your pregnancy. So that they can choose the safest and most effective medicine for you.

To reduce the burning sensation, a dentist can provide you with antibiotics or mouthwash to use in your mouth. These antibiotics and mouthwash are generally safe for pregnant women. However, you must inform your doctor about possibility of your pregnancy. So that, they can choose the safest and most effective medicine for you.

Care of teeth and gums during pregnancy

Small food particles stuck between your teeth is create oral hygiene issues, which can impact the health of your teeth and gums. Besides, during pregnancy or even before you may experience dental or gum problems. Pregnancy can exacerbate these these problems.

To survive the detrimental effects of these you can resort to some home remedies.
For example—

1. Brushing your teeth daily: Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. In the case of toothpaste try to choose fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. While brushing, brush the front and back of the teeth well and don't forget to brush your tongue. You can use a 'Tongue Scraper' to clean your tongue if needed. If you are unsure about how to brush effectively and remove accumulated plaque, consult your dentist for guidance.

2. Clean the food particles stuck between your teeth: At least, once a day use dental floss to clean the small food particles that get stuck between your teeth. This can help prevent the buildup of plaque or tartar and the accumulation of debris on your teeth.

3. Use a soft brush: It is best to brush teeth if the bristles of the brush are small and soft. When purchasing a toothbrush, check if it is labeled as 'Soft.' Also, ensure that the toothbrush is comfortable to hold.

4. Use alcohol-free mouthwash: Mouthwash can play an important role in oral hygiene. However, during pregnancy, ensure that the mouthwash you are using does not contain any alcohol.

5. Rinse with Saltwater: Gargling with saltwater once a day can help alleviate mouth irritation. To do this, mix one teaspoon of salt in a cup of lukewarm water and use it as a mouthwash  Rinse your mouth thoroughly several times before spitting out the water.

6. Cut down on sugary foods and drinks: Choose healthy foods to stave off hunger between mealtimes. For example: vegetables, fruits or sour yogurt. Also drink enough water. During pregnancy generally recommend to drink 2-3 liters or 8-12 glasses of water. Sufficient water intake is help maintain proper hydration and keep your mouth clean promoting overall oral health.

Avoid unhealthy sugary and acidic foods. For example, limit your intake of sugary drinks like tea and coffee, and soft drinks. Consuming sugary and acidic foods during pregnancy can contribute to weakness. But care should be taken not to eat these foods too often. Because eating too much sugary food increases the chances of tooth decay.

In pregnancy, the likelihood of various dental and oral diseases increases. The easy way to address this complexity is to ensure oral hygiene. Consulting a dentist or a dental specialist alongside is also important.

Smoking should generally be avoided during pregnancy. Because smoking can cause serious complications for the unborn child. Also smoking can worsen your gum disease. Even It may contribute to oral and maternal cancer.

8. Rinse with water after vomiting: Many pregnant women experience vomiting during pregnancy. Vomiting brings stomach acid to the mouth, which can potentially harm your teeth. Therefore, after every episode of vomiting, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. In addition, avoid brushing your teeth immediately after vomiting, and wait at least an hour. This is because the teeth may be slightly weakened after vomiting, and brushing immediately could cause damage to them.

Instead of regular water, rinsing your mouth with water mixed with baking soda can help neutralize the acidic content that may come into the mouth. The easy way to prepare this mixture at home is to dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water and use this solution for rinsing your mouth thoroughly. This mixture is be beneficial for maintaining good oral health.

9. Get a dental checkup at least once: Visiting the dentist during pregnancy may seem like an unpleasant experience for you. You may have doubts about how putting appliances in your mouth affects your baby. Or it could be that you feel uncomfortable going to the dentist because of nausea.

Overcoming all such inertia, visit the dentist at least once during pregnancy. He will clean your teeth and mouth thoroughly which will help in maintaining good oral health. You can also learn from the doctor how you can take care of your face at home.

Most dental procedures are considered safe at this time. However, you must inform your doctor that you're pregnant. This will allow him to choose the most suitable method for you.

In case of toothache, if the pain does not subside after following the home remedies, then you can take paracetamol. It is an 'over the counter' medicine. Over the counter medicines are safe to buy from a pharmacy and take according to the directions that come with them.