Heather Lawson-Myers - TOOTH TALK MOST OF us know of some tale about pregnancy and tooth loss or weakened teeth due to calcium loss. However, calcium is stored in the teeth in a crystalline form so, it is not available to supply anywhere else. It is safe to say that pregnancy will not weaken the teeth but the same cannot be said about bone; calcium can be removed to supply the demands of pregnancy.
Pregnant women can, however, be affected by gingivitis. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy often exaggerate the level of inflammation of the gums. Pregnant women must have meticulous oral hygiene habits to prevent this condition which is one of the most common oral manifestations associated with pregnancy.
A woman with pregnancy gingivitis will have gums that appear enlarged or puffy, very red or purple, smooth and shiny and bleed easily. These changes become noticeable from the second month of pregnancy and reach a maximum in the eighth month. The changes occur sooner and more often in the front teeth than in the back teeth.
In recent studies, some links have been noted between periodontal disease and low birth weight babies. Plaque (the soft, sticky substance that adheres to our teeth) triggers inflammation-mediating chemicals including certain kinds of cytokines. Large amounts of these cytokines yield a molecule very similar to a drug that is used to induce labour - Oxytocin. Expectant mothers with chronic periodontal disease may have a similar message being sent to the body, resulting in premature labour.
Pregnant women may also notice the development of growths on the gum area between the teeth. These growths are usually referred to as 'pregnancy tumours'. The tumours are seen most often between the upper front teeth during the second trimester and they grow rapidly. However, they hardly ever grow larger than two centimetres, and usually develop in an area where there is plaque and calculus retention on the adjacent teeth.
Pregnancy tumours are red or bluish-purple but are generally not painful, however, they bleed easily. The tumours usually have to be removed after pregnancy.
Some pregnant women have a condition known as Xerostomia (dryness of the mouth). This condition is also due to hormonal changes and can be best addressed by drinking lots of fluids, sucking sugarless candy or chewing sugarless chewing gum.
If you are thinking of becoming pregnant, see your dentist in the near future. Ensure that you do not have periodontal disease or if so, have it treated before conception. It could be the difference between a healthy full-term baby and a premature baby. Meticulous oral hygiene (diligent brushing and flossing daily) can prevent pregnancy gingivitis and pregnancy tumours. Drink lots of fluids and maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate nutrition and exercise.
Dr. Heather-Dawn Lawson-Myers, President, Jamaica Dental Association (2003/4).
