As the saying goes, “A baby loses a tooth”. Many people still believe that it is normal for a pregnant woman to have problems with her teeth because the fetus is drawing calcium from the mother’s teeth during pregnancy. This phenomenon may be common, but just because it is common doesn’t mean it should happen. Statistics show that about half of pregnant women suffer from tooth decay. Due to the hormonal changes in women’s bodies during pregnancy, many pregnant women experience vomiting and acid reflux in early pregnancy, which causes changes in the bacterial population in the mouth – the oral environment becomes more suitable for the development of tooth decay. There are also many pregnant women who have increased early pregnancy reaction when brushing teeth, nausea and vomiting, so they brush their teeth twice a day or simply do not brush their teeth, plus the change of diet during pregnancy, all these special circumstances will “trigger” tooth decay. Some women have tooth decay before they are pregnant, but they don’t check and treat it in time. During pregnancy, due to the influence of various factors, the decay becomes more and more serious and develops into acute pulpitis or even periapical inflammation of teeth, which is unbearable. Many pregnant women are afraid that the treatment process and medication will affect the growth and development of the fetus, so they are afraid to take medication or go to the hospital because of toothache, and let the disease teeth run wild. It’s hard enough to carry a baby in October, so why add so much pain that you shouldn’t have to endure for no reason? Do you know? There are many bacteria in the mouth with cavities, and the toxins produced by these bacteria will increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight babies. If the mother has cavities, the bacteria in her mouth can also be transmitted to her newborn baby through kissing, sharing utensils, etc. We recommend every woman who is planning to get pregnant to go to the hospital 6 months in advance for systematic oral health treatment: dental cleaning to get rid of caries in the mouth, root canal treatment teeth with hidden problems, vestigial roots and crowns, abnormally positioned wisdom teeth, etc. In addition, the oral health of men will affect the quality of sperm, the father-to-be should also be in the “baby” before the active oral health examination, the husband and wife work together to welcome the new life together with a healthy and fresh oral environment! Due to the special nature of pregnancy, mothers-to-be need to spend more effort to maintain oral health. Basic oral hygiene care. Use fluoride toothpaste and brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least three minutes each time, preferably for five minutes for pregnant women. Floss every day, and if you can brush and floss after every meal, that’s even better! If normal brushing makes you nauseous and vomit, try switching to a lighter tasting toothpaste, you will feel much better. It is recommended to rinse your mouth with baking soda after each vomiting, which can effectively remove the residual stomach acid in your mouth and reduce its corrosion on your teeth. It is also recommended that pregnant women rinse their mouth with an over-the-counter mouthwash that does not contain alcohol before going to bed each day. Xylitol use. Research shows that xylitol can inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause dental caries in the mouth, stimulate saliva secretion and reduce plaque formation, which is very helpful for pregnant women to prevent dental caries. Mothers-to-be are recommended to chew xylitol gum after every meal, which is also an effective way to reduce the risk of dental caries in babies. Balanced diet. Pregnant women need to consume sufficient protein, calcium and vitamins. Therefore, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese, etc.), fish and eggs, beans and nuts are all great choices. Reduce sweet food intake. Candy, cakes, cookies, carbonated drinks and other sugary foods can promote the development of dental caries and are recommended to be consumed sparingly during pregnancy. Dried fruits such as raisins or figs can also stick to the grooves on the surface of teeth, so be sure to brush and rinse your mouth well after eating these foods. Other tips: drink more water; to reduce early pregnancy reaction, try to eat less and more often; don’t smoke and refuse to smoke second-hand! Q: I’m pregnant, do I have to put up with toothache? A: The current international opinion is that it is safe to visit the dentist during pregnancy. However, during early pregnancy (1-12 weeks), the fetal organs are developing and are sensitive to environmental stimuli, and external stimuli can increase the risk of malformation; during the second half of late pregnancy (after 28 weeks), the uterus is more sensitive to changes in the external environment, and stimulation can increase the risk of preterm delivery. Therefore, if it is not an emergency, mid-pregnancy (13-27 weeks) is the best choice. No matter when you go to the dentist, be sure to state your pregnancy and your expected date of delivery. It should be reminded that lying on your back for too long after 20 weeks can affect blood circulation throughout the body, so if a prolonged treatment is needed, it is recommended to sit up and rest at appropriate times during the period to adjust. Will X-rays during pregnancy affect the health of the fetus? A: If it is not an emergency, it is recommended to avoid taking X-rays in early and late pregnancy. If you encounter special circumstances, don’t be anxious. The impact of dental films on the fetus is actually very small, but you need to take proper protective measures. What are the precautions regarding the use of medication during pregnancy? A: First of all, tell your dentist about all the medications you are currently taking, including vitamin tablets, and some precautions that your obstetrician has told you about. Ideally, you should not take any medications during pregnancy, especially in early pregnancy. But sometimes the ideal is rich and the reality is bleak, so when you have to use medications, follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies drugs into five categories, of which category A drugs are the safest for pregnant women. For example, paracetamol and penicillin are relatively safe, while drugs containing aspirin ingredients are to be avoided by pregnant women. Every mother-to-be should get rid of the hidden dental problems before pregnancy and pay attention to maintain oral health during pregnancy to prevent dental caries from sneaking in. This is not only for yourself, but also for the baby in your belly. May every mother prepare for pregnancy healthily, get pregnant comfortably and embrace the new life happily!