COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – When an expecting mother gets that first positive pregnancy test, several medical appointments follow, but one that probably doesn’t come to mind is scheduling your next cleaning with your dentist. Data, though, shows oral care should be a priority during pregnancy.
“All of the resources in the body go to the growth of the baby,” said dental hygienist Liz Flores.
Flores explains that with pregnancy comes a lot of changes in hormones and loss of minerals in teeth.
“Women need to be aware of the loss of minerals and the changes in their tissues, their gums and teeth because of pregnancy. In addition to that, morning sickness results in harmful acids to the teeth, and exposure that can cause cavities,” Flores said.
Pregnant women may also be at a higher risk for cavities due to cravings.
“While it’s okay to indulge, you have to do it responsibly,” Flores said.
According to the CDC, 60 to 75 percent of pregnant women have gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. This is believed to be from those changing hormones.
“Unfortunately, a lot of the women we’re seeing are at a point where we have to do emergency therapy, tooth extraction,” Flores said.
A new study published in March in the Journal of the American Dental Association found pregnant women who did not visit a dentist while pregnant were 28 percent more likely to develop hypertensive disorders like preeclampsia.
“The whole reason this program started is because we noticed unmet oral health needs among this population,” Flores said.
Flores helped launch a new program at Peak Vista Community Health Centers that is making dental care easier for moms to be. A dental hygienist is now onsite at the Women’s Health Center so as patients are coming in for their regular prenatal checkups, they are also visited by a hygienist for a dental screening.
“The idea is the patient shows up for their medical visit and they have the ability to also see us and receive those services,” Flores said.
This started in January and has helped about 200 women so far.
“So far, 30 percent of our population has actually followed up in our bigger clinics, where they have all the services, filings, crowns, things like that,” Flores said.
Flores said pregnant women should brush and floss twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse and take note of changes to your oral health.
“Don’t ignore pain, don’t ignore bleeding,” Flores said.
Flores recommends getting a regular cleaning with your dentist every six months pregnant or not but to make it a priority while pregnant and make sure to mention to your provider you are expecting.
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