Dental Care in Pregnancy to Prevent Premature Rupture of the Membranes, Preterm Birth, Stillbirth & Low Birth Weight

Dental hygiene is especially important in pregnancy and postpartum. During the childbearing year, there is an increased risk of having issues with your teeth and/or gums. Having issues with your teeth and/or gums can put your baby at risk for preterm birth, premature rupture of the membranes, stillbirth and low birth weight. Dental hygiene and care may prevent gum and teeth problems, including cavities & gum (periodontal disease).

Periodontal disease is an infection caused by bacteria via plaque build up. Bacteria is thought to get in the bloodstream and cross over to the placenta. Bleeding of the gums is a sign of periodontal disease.

Daily dental care: 

• Brush teeth at least twice 
• Floss at least once 
• Eat Vitamin C rich foods including guavas, kiwi, oranges, broccoli, papaya, snow peas, lemons, peppers, orange juice, cantaloupe, cauliflower, kale, strawberries & tomatoes
• Limit sugar consumption and soda
• Take 1000 mg of Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids

Additionally you may choose to:

• ​Rinse your mouth with salt, sea salt water or coconut oil 
  
• Brush after most meals

Care after vomiting:

• Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water and rinse your mouth (the stomach acids from vomiting can wear the protective coating to wear off)
• If possible wait an hour after vomiting to brush your teeth (brushing right after vomiting can cause the protective coating to wear off)

If you are having excessive bleeding of your gums, a periodontal treatment may be performed at a dentist. Routine x-rays should be avoided, but if x-rays are necessary, a special apron should be worn to cover your belly and neck (thyroid).
Necessary dental work can be done during pregnancy, but its best to avoid it in the first trimester. 

References:

Han, Y. (2010). Oral Health and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes – What’s Next? Journal   of Dental  Research, 90(3), 289–293. doi: 10.1177/0022034510381905

Mark, A. M. (2018). Dental care during pregnancy. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 149(11), 1001. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2018.09.006

Stadelmann, P. F. M., Eick, S., Salvi, G. E., Surbek, D., Mohr, S., Bürgin, W., … Sculean, A. (2014). Increased periodontal inflammation in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes. Clinical Oral Investigations, 19(6), 1537–1546. doi: 10.1007/s00784-014-1371-6

Steinberg, B. J., Hilton, I. V., Iida, H., & Samelson, R. (2013). Oral Health and Dental Care During Pregnancy. Dental Clinics of North America, 57(2), 195–210. doi: 10.1016/j.cden.2013.01.002

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