Sacrifice is no longer a popular human activity, or, indeed, virtue. However, parenting, and motherhood in particular, is, if you ask a parent, largely about sacrificing stuff for your kids. Of course, not all mums and dads understand this. So, does motherhood damage your teeth? Looking at this through the tunnel vision of oral health the simple answer would be yes, it increases the challenges. Yet the news is not all bad because you can do things to alleviate some of the damage. Plus, if you asked most mums if they would sacrifice something for their children the answer would be in the affirmative, mummy bloggers not the only ones to concur.

The Oral Health Challenges In Becoming A Mother

Who would design a process where vomiting is the expected outcome in a perfect world? Pregnancy for females in the human sphere often involves new mothers vomiting during the first trimester. The hormones released during pregnancy encourage easy vomiting from gastric reflux, which we call ‘morning sickness’. Frequent vomiting, during this period, can damage the mother’s teeth through the acidic content of the bile eating away the enamel of her teeth. This increases the opportunity for tooth decay. What can a mother to be do about this to lessen the damage? Don’t immediately brush your teeth whilst the stomach acids are still in the mouth, as this increases the enamel damage. Rinse out your mouth first with tap water. Why tap water? The PH level of tap water is guaranteed in Australia at above 5.6, which is important and not all bottled waters comply with this. Use a fluoride mouth wash or a dab of fluoride toothpaste and rub that over your teeth before rinsing with tap water. Wait an hour before brushing your teeth after vomiting.

Dental Care During Pregnancy

Does motherhood damage your teeth? The expert dental care advice is to see your dentist prior to getting pregnant, if possible, or immediately upon learning that you are pregnant and planning to have a baby. Gum disease is a recognised issue for mothers with the condition and can increase the chances of premature birth and low birth weight babies. Gum disease can be treated by your dentist during pregnancy. In addition, it is smart to have your teeth and gums checked and fixed at the earliest stage to lessen the ill effects of motherhood upon your oral health. Taking care of your teeth and gums becomes even more important during this time of your life.

What Can Mothers Do To Aid Their Oral Health?

Engaging in the oral care cleaning rituals becomes increasingly vital during pregnancy. Motherhood makes you more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease than in normal times. It may seem slightly unfair because you have so much going on but this is nature’s way and who are we to argue. Perhaps, getting support from your life partner and those intimates around you in regard to this may help. Be extra vigilant about cleaning your teeth more often and with greater diligence. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding refined sugars in foods and drinks is advisable. Obviously, smoking and drinking alcohol are best avoided at this time and at all times really, if oral health is important to you.

Motherhood Is A Sacrifice With Amazing Rewards

It can come as a bit of a shock the whole motherhood thing. It is a complete reorientation from a concern for self to a greater concern for the wellbeing of your baby. You are eating for two and everything you do is about nourishing the new life within you. Taking care of yourself is inexplicably linked to taking care of your impending child. A healthy mother produces a healthy baby. This equation goes on for the duration of their childhood and some would say longer. A mother with ongoing teeth and gum problems will be hampered somewhat in their motherhood mission. Everything is holistically linked. This is why your dentist is there to help prepare the way for making things better in the oral health sphere for mother and baby. The deep love a mother feels for her child is like nothing else on earth. It is a rich reward in itself for any sacrifices made along the way.

Gum Disease & Motherhood

Does motherhood damage your teeth? In the second trimester, inflammation of the gums can occur. The symptoms for this are often swelling and bleeding, which occurs around the brushing of teeth. Gingivitis is another name for this early stage of gum disease. Untreated gum disease can progress into periodontal disease and this is more serious. This infection attacks the supporting tissue and structures – it can result in tooth loss. A red round growth, called pregnancy epulis or pyogenic granuloma, can come up on the gum – this bleeds easily. What to do about these conditions? Consult with your local dentist. Use a softer bristled toothbrush and be gentler but no less diligent about cleaning your teeth. This too will pass.

Dealing With The Desire to Vomit When Brushing Teeth

“Some pregnant women find that brushing their teeth, particularly the back teeth, can cause gagging. However, it’s important to brush all of your teeth to avoid tooth decay. Some tips to help prevent gagging include:
Use a toothbrush with a small soft head, such as a brush made for toddlers. Take your time. Go slowly when you brush. It may help to close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Try listening to music. If the taste of the toothpaste causes you to gag, switch to another brand. Or brush your teeth with water and then use a mouthwash containing fluoride. Go back to brushing with toothpaste containing fluoride as soon as you can.”
– Better Health Victoria

The Matrix Between Mother & Child For Oral Health

Matrix comes from the Latin meaning womb. In medical science today, new information is emerging regarding the fundamental importance of our oral health to our overall health. The bacterial link between the oral cavity and out microbiome. The gut-brain axis.

“The gut-brain axis (GBA) consists of bidirectional communication between the central and the enteric nervous system, linking emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with peripheral intestinal functions.”
– Carabotti M, Scirocco A, Maselli MA, Severi C. The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems. Ann Gastroenterol. 2015 Apr-Jun;28(2):203-209. PMID: 25830558; PMCID: PMC4367209. 

Pregnancy is a pivotal time for oral health interventions. Ensuring proper oral health during this period is vital, as untreated dental caries in mothers can increase their children’s risk of dental caries. It’s a prime time to encourage expecting mothers to adopt healthier oral hygiene practices. Regular dental visits during pregnancy are essential to prevent future dental issues for both mother and child.

Enhancing Oral Health Literacy

Oral health literacy is a powerful tool in the hands of mothers. It empowers them to make informed decisions about dental care. Mothers with higher oral health literacy are more likely to maintain good oral hygiene practices and understand the significance of dental health during pregnancy. Healthcare providers should prioritise educational initiatives to boost oral health literacy in expecting mothers.”
– World Federation of Public Health Associations

Does motherhood damage your teeth? It does not have to. The challenges, however, are greater and more is demanded of mothers-to-be in this regard. I can see many mothers rolling their eyes, at this point, and thinking why do we have to do everything? Well, mothers make life happen and sustain it via their nourishing actions. Sacrifices are demanded and we can all help them bear the load by doing what we can and recognising their sacrifice.

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Note: All content and media on the Bacchus Marsh Dental House website and social media channels are created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

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