Are You Expecting? Add the Dentist to Your To-Do List.

Are you pregnant or planning to get pregnant? Your dental health is more important than you might think – and it matters for both you and your baby.

Many moms-to-be don't know that pregnancy can cause changes to their teeth and gums. The good news is that taking care of your mouth is safe during pregnancy.

How Pregnancy Affects Your Teeth and Gums

When your body changes during pregnancy, so does your mouth. Your pregnancy hormones (progesterone and estrogen) can increase your risk for dental problems.

Cravings can also have a big impact. Eating more starchy foods or sweets increases mouth bacteria. Some pregnant women can also develop a condition called pica, which causes them to crave things that are not food, like ice. Chewing ice can damage your gums and teeth. Pica may also be a sign of anemia (low iron) or other vitamin and mineral deficiencies. (If you have any health concerns during your pregnancy, be sure to share them with your doctor and your dentist.)

Morning sickness in early pregnancy puts more acid in your mouth. This acid can wear away your tooth enamel. Over time, this can cause cavities.

You may want to brush more often if you have regular morning sickness, crave sweets, chew ice, or notice bad breath. Be sure to brush gently. Pregnancy can make your gums more tender, so brush slowly with a soft toothbrush if your gums are sensitive during this time.

What Can Happen Without Good Dental Care

Without good dental care during pregnancy, you may experience several problems with your teeth, gums, and other parts of your mouth.

• You may get cavities.
• You could get tooth erosion. This means the outer layer of your tooth becomes thin.
• You may get pregnancy tumors. These lumps on your gums are harmless (non-cancerous). They usually go away after your baby is born.

Another risk is gum disease. Gum disease is an infection that can make your teeth loose. Your dentist may have to pull your teeth in serious cases. Poor dental care can also lead to problems that affect you and your baby. These problems include giving birth early (before 37 weeks), having a baby with a low birth weight, or having high blood pressure or high blood sugar while pregnant.

Staying on Top of Your Dental Health

The best treatment is prevention. If you're planning to get pregnant, schedule a dental checkup first. During pregnancy, keep up with your regular cleanings every six months. Talk to your dentist about any concerns you have during these visits.

Regular dental work is safe during pregnancy.

Dental X-rays are completely safe. The special apron your dentist uses protects you and your baby. Make sure to tell your dentist if you're pregnant or think you might be before having an X-ray.

If you need a cavity filled, talk to your dentist about your options. Some fillings contain mercury and might not be safe for your baby. However, if a filling is needed, it should be done to prevent infection. Your dentist can help you choose the safest option while pregnant.

Use Your Dental Benefits

Routine dental care is provided by one of three Dental Maintenance Organizations (DMOs). Check your Dental ID card to see which provider you have:

DentaQuest
1-800-516-0165

MCNA Dental
1-855-691-6262

United Healthcare Dental
1-877-901-7321

As a value-added service, PCHP’s STAR members age 21 and older can get a yearly allowance for dental services including checkups, X-rays, and cleanings. Visit our website to learn more.

Benefits and value-added services were current at the time of publication. Click here for the current list.