Is it true that having 1 child causes the loss of 1 tooth?
The belief that a fetus will draw calcium from the teeth causing tooth decay and tooth loss during pregnancy is a misconception. In fact, mothers who experience morning sickness and vomiting will have stomach acid that erodes the tooth surface along with food debris and increased bacteria accumulation on the teeth, which can lead to gingivitis and also make teeth more prone to decay.
Why is there a higher chance of gingivitis during pregnancy?
Pregnant mothers experience hormonal changes in their bodies that cause blood vessels to dilate and blood to pool in the gums. When experiencing morning sickness, nausea, vomiting, frequent hunger, and other bodily changes, expectant mothers may pay less attention to oral health, leading to food debris accumulation and increased bacterial plaque on the teeth. These bacteria release toxins that cause gum inflammation, increased bleeding, and sometimes the formation of lumps on certain areas of the gum line.
Precautions during pregnancy
- Expectant mothers who are frequently hungry should avoid very sweet or very sour foods and instead consume foods high in protein and calcium, as well as fruits and vegetables.
- Always consult a doctor before taking any medication, as some drugs may affect the fetus. For example, medications ending with “cycline”, such as tetracycline, can cause discoloration of the child’s bones and teeth, turning them yellow, brown, or gray.
- Oral health care should always be communicated to the dentist before any treatment for special precautions, and avoid radiation exposure; if necessary, always wear a lead apron during X-rays.
Oral health care during pregnancy
If you feel nauseous while brushing your teeth, choose toothpaste that has properties to care for gums and teeth with a stronger flavor to help reduce nausea. After vomiting or eating small meals, rinse your mouth several times with mouthwash or clean water to reduce food debris and stomach acid, which will help you feel cleaner and fresher. Maintaining oral hygiene before and during pregnancy can greatly reduce the problems of gingivitis and tooth decay. Therefore, it is recommended to have your dentist perform scaling and treat any dental issues early to prevent major gum and tooth problems that may occur later in pregnancy.
Expectant mothers who fear dental treatment or need more complex dental procedures, such as tooth extraction or dentures, should choose to receive treatment during the 4th to 6th month of pregnancy because morning sickness will have subsided and the belly is not too large, making it easier to lie down for extended periods compared to treatment during the last 7 to 9 months of pregnancy.
