By EKalman December 12, 2022 - 8:59am

There is a severe problem with oral health neglect brought on by misconceptions regarding dental care and oral hygiene procedures during pregnancy. The goal of achieving ideal mother and child health is hampered by the prevalent occurrence of these beliefs.
You should be aware that a number of hormonal changes occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding that lower a woman's defenses and increase her risk of developing inflammations and infections like gingivitis and periodontitis. High levels of progesterone and estrogen bring on this inflammatory response.

Pregnant women may be unsure whether or not they should visit the dentist due to the abundance of false information on pregnancy and oral health. Here is a guide with common myths separating fact from fiction and managing your dental health.

1 Myth: After vomiting, you should brush your teeth right away
The truth: While no one likes the taste of vomit, reaching for your toothbrush too soon might harm your teeth. Gastric acids, which can erode tooth enamel, are present, which is the cause of this. Your teeth's natural defenses may be compromised if you brush them too soon after vomiting, making them more vulnerable to cavities, sensitivity, and fractures. To neutralize and eliminate the acid in your mouth, rinse with plain water or baking soda. After that, you can wash your teeth without being concerned about accidentally doing harm.

2 Myth: After pregnancy, the risk of dental disease or decay disappears
Even after the baby has been delivered, breastfeeding mothers can still have many of the same dental problems. If nursing mothers don't drink enough fluids and wash and floss their teeth regularly, they may develop tooth decay. Nursing mothers may also lose up to 5% of their bone mass, which might result in gingivitis.

The American Dental Association has also recognized that some nursing mothers develop bruxism, or teeth grinding, as a result of facial or neck pain. Nursing mothers should consume diets low in sugar and carbohydrates to avoid tooth decay, according to top-rated dentists.

Pregnant women should monitor their dental health carefully before, throughout, and after pregnancy.

3 Myth: I do not need to inform my dentist when I become pregnant
It's crucial that your dentist and hygienist are aware of your pregnancy or attempts to conceive. Pregnancy may increase your chance of developing some oral issues while also reducing your range of treatment options. Inform your dental team right away if you think you might be pregnant, how far along you are, and whether or not your pregnancy is high-risk.

4 Myth: Pregnancy is not a safe time for anesthesia
FICTION, sort of. Anesthesia is completely safe to use throughout the second and third trimesters and should be applied for required procedures. Studies have, however, suggested a link between anesthetics during the first trimester and early miscarriage. Therefore, if you need dental work done, talk to your dentist about delaying it until the second trimester.
If the infant desires more sugary foods, you can have them:

5 Myth: It’s not bad to eat sweets or other sugary food and drinks
The majority of people believe that is not great, but there are also thousands of them who do harm to their unborn babies. Sugary foods are never healthy for teeth. Children of expectant mothers who consumed more free sugars (soda, jams, cakes, cookies, and fruit juices) during pregnancy "were 73% more likely to be diagnosed with allergies to two or more allergens and 101% more likely to have allergic asthma," according to research from Queen Mary University of London. Remember to try to substitute healthy options for free sweets!

6 Myth: During your pregnancy, your teeth's calcium may begin to dissolve
The truth. While you are expecting or nursing, calcium in your diet is especially crucial. It aids in the development of a child's teeth and bones. Although your body and mouth may change while pregnant, your fetus does not absorb calcium from the mother's teeth. Instead, it gets it from your diet.