The truth about the risk of losing teeth in pregnancy

Pregnancy is associated with a series of hormonal and behavioral changes that may predispose you to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. There is a popular belief that says the baby takes all the calcium from the mother, so she can lose teeth in pregnancy, is that true? We clarify it an

Pregnancy is associated with a series of hormonal and behavioral changes that may predispose you to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

There is a popular belief that says the baby takes all the calcium from the mother, so she can lose teeth in pregnancy, is that true? We clarify it and, above all, we recommend that at the beginning of your pregnancy you go for a checkup with the dentist.

Is there a risk of losing teeth during pregnancy?

There are certain specific factors that influence oral health during pregnancy:

- Vomiting and reflux: if you suffer from many vomiting during pregnancy, or from gastroesophageal reflux you will have more risk of these stomach acids damaging tooth enamel , and make it more susceptible to decay.

- Change of eating habits: some pregnant women need to eat many times a day, which causes the teeth to be exposed to food longer. You can prevent it by washing your teeth after every meal, however small, and avoiding sugary and sticky foods (chewing gum, candy ...).

- Hormonal changes: during pregnancy the gums can become inflamed (gingivitis) due to hormonal changes of the same. Gingivitis causes pain, redness and bleeding of the gums. We can not do anything against hormonal changes, but we must be very consistent in oral hygiene, since plaque and tartar are other risk factors that predispose to suffering from gingivitis.

Therefore, it is not true that the baby is going to take the calcium he needs from your teeth, it is not true that you can lose teeth in pregnancy. The baby gets calcium from your food through the placenta, and in case of a real deficit of calcium intake, it would get from your bones and not from your teeth.

In summary: to maintain good dental health during pregnancy:

- Leave your dentist at the beginning of pregnancy.

- Avoid sugary foods and drinks.

- Always brush your teeth after eating.