The nausea accompanied by vomiting and gastroesophageal reflux are common symptoms in the first trimester and throughout pregnancy that can have different consequences for teeth and gums if not different consequences on teeth and gums if they are not taken care of. To reduce the effects on your oral health, it is important to follow your dentist's recommendations and take preventive measures from the first weeks of pregnancy.

How does pregnancy affect oral health?

The increase in estrogens and progesterone that occurs during pregnancy influences the inflammatory response of the gums to bacterial plaque. This causes the tissues of the mouth to become more sensitive and more easily inflamed. Although the effects improve after delivery, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits help prevent complications and maintain a healthy smile.

1. Erosion of tooth enamel

Repeated vomiting exposes the teeth to hydrochloric acid from the stomach, which weakens the enamel and can cause sensitivity to cold or heat, visible tooth wear, decay and brushing pain.This weakens the enamel and can lead to sensitivity to cold or heat, visible tooth wear, decay and pain when brushing. Similarly, gastroesophageal reflux brings acid into the oral cavity, especially at night or at bedtime, which promotes bad breath, inflammation of the gums and demineralization of the enamel.

2. Dental caries

Pregnancy brings with it alterations in the composition of saliva, such as a decrease in pH, an increase in viscosity and a reduction in its buffering capacity. If we add to this vomiting and reflux, the risk of caries increases. Occasionally, some women avoid brushing for fear of causing nausea, which increases the accumulation of bacterial plaque.

3. Pregnancy gingivitis

Because of an exaggerated response to bacterial plaque due to hormonal changes, between 60% and 100% of women have 60% to 100% of women develop gingivitis develop gingivitis at some point. This inflammation can be complicated precisely if the pregnant woman presents vomiting, causing discomfort when eating or talking, bleeding gums, redness and inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, damaging the bone that supports the teeth.

4. Pyogenic granuloma

Pyogenic granuloma is a benign benign lesion on the gum that occurs due to a combination of hormonal changes, presence of bacterial plaque and local irritation. It appears as a small red bump usually in the second trimester of pregnancy and may bleed easily. In most cases it disappears after delivery, although it requires dental follow-up and a good hygiene routine.

5. Xerostomia

Dry mouth sensation is also common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes and fluid loss from vomiting. Lack of saliva reduces the natural protection against bacteriaTherefore, it is advisable to drink plenty of water, maintain a balanced diet and chew gum with xylitol to stimulate salivation.

It should be noted that all these pathologies affect the oral health of the mother, but that several studies have also associated them with complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, bacterial endocarditis, premature delivery, low birth weight and even and even an increased likelihood that the baby will develop cavities in infancy due to the due to the transmission of bacteria from the mother.

Dental recommendations for pregnant women

1. After vomiting, do not brush right away.

The acid in the vomit weakens the enamel and brushing the teeth immediately may worsen the erosion. It is recommended to rinse the mouth with water and wait 30 or 60 wait 30 to 60 minutes before brushing with toothpaste.

2. Adapting the hygiene routine during pregnancy

It is important to brush three times a day with a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste with 1450 ppm of fluoride for caries prevention, in addition to flossing or interdental brushing every day. In case gum inflammation is detected, rinses with chlorhexidine at 0.12% are ideal are ideal to help improve the situation.

The second trimester is the best time to carry out dental treatments, between 13 and 24 weeks is safer for the future baby and more comfortable for the mother. Ideally, at least one dental visit per trimester one dental visit per trimester to check that everything is all right.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is recommended to eat to reduce reflux and protect teeth?

The best way to protect your teeth during pregnancy is to drink enough water throughout the day and eat foods rich in calcium, such as pasteurized milk, cheese (those safe to eat during pregnancy), plain yogurt, almonds and broccoli. Eat small portions, 5 or 6 meals a day to reduce reflux and nausea.

Are anesthesia and dental x-rays safe when pregnant?

Yes, local anesthesia such as lidocaine with epinephrine can be used during pregnancy for dental treatment and x-rays are also safe using appropriate safeguards. Make sure your dentist knows you are pregnant and will make the appropriate adjustments.

Can pregnancy vomiting change the shape or color of my teeth?

Yes, constant exposure to gastric acid, either from vomiting or reflux during pregnancy, can progressively wear down the enamel, causing the teeth to look a little yellower, duller reflux during pregnancy, can progressively wear down the enamel, making the teeth look a little yellower, duller or with irregular edges.