Oral Health and Preventive Care Pregnant Women Should Be Aware Of

Pregnant women are in a period when not only general physical health but also oral health is significantly affected due to rapid changes in hormonal balance and substantial bodily changes. In particular, gums tend to swell easily and are prone to inflammation, increasing the risk of periodontal disease and cavities. Furthermore, morning sickness, reflux of stomach acid, and changes in diet may also have adverse effects on teeth, so it is important to pay even more attention to oral care than usual.

If the oral health of a pregnant woman is not protected, it can adversely affect not only the mother’s health but also the fetus. Research has shown that if periodontal disease progresses, the risks of preterm birth and low birth weight increase. Therefore, dental care during pregnancy plays a very important role not only in appearance or comfort but also in health. In this article, we delve into the methods of oral health management and prevention that pregnant women should be careful about.

The Importance of Oral Health That Pregnant Women Should Pay Attention To

1. Changes in Gums Due to Pregnancy and Their Effects

During pregnancy, hormonal balance changes rapidly, and these effects manifest in the gums. Hormones such as “progesterone” and “estrogen,” which increase during pregnancy, increase blood flow to the gums, causing the gums to swell easily and be more prone to inflammation. These effects are often particularly noticeable from the second trimester to the third trimester, and may be accompanied by gum swelling, bleeding, or pain, so caution is required. It is said that about 30–50% of pregnant women experience a condition called “pregnancy gingivitis.

Pregnancy gingivitis is a condition in which the gums become red and swollen, and bleeding may occur during brushing or eating. This symptom is caused by the gums overreacting to hormones and becoming inflamed in pregnant women. Pregnancy gingivitis is often thought to be temporary, but if left untreated, it can progress to periodontal disease and ultimately lead to tooth loss. As periodontal disease progresses, the bone that supports the teeth may be destroyed, and if this persists long term, it may lead to tooth loss.

If gum swelling or bleeding is a concern during pregnancy, it is important to consult a dentist early and receive appropriate care. To improve gum inflammation early and prevent periodontal disease, daily tooth brushing and use of dental floss are indispensable. Because gums can become sensitive during pregnancy, it is important to care for them gently.

2. The Relationship Between Pregnancy‑Associated Periodontal Disease and Systemic Diseases

Pregnancy‑associated periodontal disease has a significant impact on the mother’s immune system and can adversely affect overall health. As periodontal disease progresses, bacteria present in the oral cavity invade the gums and destroy the bone that supports the teeth. As a result, periodontal disease may cause inflammation in the pregnant woman’s body, which can spread systemically. This inflammation circulates through the bloodstream throughout the body and can cause various diseases.

Research has revealed that periodontal disease increases the risk of preeclampsia and diabetes in pregnant women. Preeclampsia is a condition in which high blood pressure develops during pregnancy and can cause fetal growth retardation or preterm birth. Chronic inflammatory responses caused by periodontal disease can lead to hypertension or impaired immune function, increasing the risk of preeclampsia.

Furthermore, progression of periodontal disease can make management of diabetes difficult. Periodontal disease can induce insulin resistance and potentially worsen diabetic symptoms, so preventing periodontal disease is also essential for preventing diabetes during pregnancy. In order to prevent diabetes or hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, it is important to prevent periodontal disease and receive appropriate treatment.

Additionally, research has shown that periodontal disease increases the risk of preterm birth and delivering a low‑birth‑weight infant. As periodontal disease progresses, oral bacteria may enter the bloodstream and reach the placenta, which can adversely affect the fetus. Therefore, prevention and early treatment of periodontal disease during pregnancy are extremely important.

3. Effects of Morning Sickness‑Induced Stomach Acid and Damage to Tooth Enamel

Morning sickness is a symptom experienced by many pregnant women in the early stages of pregnancy, often accompanied by vomiting. When vomiting causes stomach acid to flow back into the mouth, it can cause significant damage to tooth enamel. Stomach acid is highly acidic and dissolves enamel, weakening teeth and increasing the risk of cavities and periodontal disease. Moreover, the effects of stomach acid may cause teeth to become sensitive, leading to pain when consuming hot or cold items.

If stomach acid remains in the mouth, the enamel gradually thins and may cause yellowing of the teeth. The tooth surface may become rough, and the color of the teeth may change. To prevent this, it is recommended not to brush teeth immediately after vomiting but to wait about 30 minutes before brushing. Brushing teeth while stomach acid remains on the surface can abrade enamel.

After vomiting, it is important to rinse the mouth with water to remove stomach acid as quickly as possible. Rinsing with water neutralizes acid and helps protect tooth enamel. Chewing sugar‑free gum is also effective. Chewing gum promotes saliva secretion and can neutralize acids in the mouth, thereby protecting teeth.

Preventive Methods for Oral Health That Pregnant Women Should Observe

1. Daily Tooth Brushing and Use of Dental Floss

The most basic and important method to protect oral health during pregnancy is daily tooth brushing. To prevent periodontal disease and cavities, brushing teeth twice a day—after breakfast and after dinner—is recommended. Use a toothbrush to gently clean teeth and gums, paying special attention to areas between teeth and along the gumline where plaque easily accumulates. Since gums are prone to swelling and bleeding during pregnancy, avoid brushing too hard and brush gently.

Moreover, brushing alone cannot completely remove food particles and bacteria lodged between the teeth. Therefore, using dental floss is very effective. Using dental floss removes debris and bacteria between teeth, reducing the risk of periodontal disease and cavities. When using dental floss, do not force it in; move it gently up and down.

Furthermore, using mouthwash after brushing can reduce bacteria in the mouth and help maintain oral cleanliness. Mouthwash has antibacterial effects and helps prevent periodontal disease. However, alcohol‑free mouthwash is recommended for pregnant women. Alcohol can be highly irritating to pregnant women, so it is better to avoid it during pregnancy.

2. Receiving Regular Dental Checkups

It is extremely important to receive regular dental checkups during pregnancy. Because hormones make gums prone to swelling and bleeding during pregnancy, receiving dental checkups enables early detection of problems and appropriate care. Dentists can perform tartar removal, check for periodontal disease, and treat cavities.

Basic dental treatment can generally be received safely during pregnancy; however, X‑rays and anesthesia should be avoided during the first trimester. Therefore, before undergoing treatment, inform the dentist that you are pregnant so that a treatment plan can be devised. Dentists will provide care that is considerate for pregnant women, so it is important not to neglect regular dental checkups.

3. Reviewing Diet and Nutrient Intake

Maintaining nutritional balance during pregnancy is very important for oral health as well. In particular, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C are essential nutrients for strengthening teeth. Calcium plays a role in strengthening teeth and bones; vitamin D aids calcium absorption; and vitamin C is indispensable for maintaining healthy gums. Actively consume meals that contain these nutrients.

Especially, sweet foods and drinks and acidic beverages adversely affect teeth and can cause cavities or gum inflammation. After consuming sweets or acidic drinks, it is important to brush teeth as soon as possible. After ingesting acidic beverages, enamel is temporarily softened, so it is better to wait 30 minutes before brushing. Also, eat a well‑balanced diet and choose tooth‑friendly foods.

4. Oral Care After Morning Sickness

If vomiting due to morning sickness occurs frequently, stomach acid may remain in the mouth and cause dissolution of tooth enamel. After vomiting, it is essential to rinse the mouth with water to remove acid, then brush teeth. However, brushing immediately may damage enamel, so wait about 30 minutes before brushing.

Also, to prevent exacerbation of morning sickness, it is effective to consume light meals with low acidity before it worsens. Adjust meal content before morning sickness intensifies to minimize the impact of stomach acid.

The Connection Between Oral Health and Maternal Health Management

Oral health during pregnancy is directly linked to the health of both the mother and the fetus. Progression of periodontal disease increases the risk of preterm birth, low‑birth‑weight delivery, and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Protecting oral health is extremely important to safeguard the health of the mother and the fetus. Receive regular dental checkups, practice oral care, and strive for a healthy pregnancy.

Summary

Oral health during pregnancy is indispensable for both the mother and the fetus. Pregnant women need to thoroughly practice oral care—daily tooth brushing, use of dental floss, and regular dental checkups—to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Preventing periodontal disease and cavities is a major element supporting a healthy pregnancy.