In China, when women are pregnant, giving birth, or even during the postpartum confinement period, mothers-in-law and other female relatives have much to say. They insist on following a set of "old-fashioned rules," warning that failure to comply will ultimately harm the woman herself. Among these beliefs is the saying, "Giving birth costs you a tooth." They claim that women must not brush their teeth during confinement, lest it "loosen tooth roots, damage gums, and cause premature tooth loosening, loss, or bleeding."Influenced by this belief, many women in the past dared not brush their teeth during confinement. The result? By the end of confinement, their teeth were often ruined. Today, the claim that "having a baby means losing a tooth" seems unsupported by science. Yet, it does highlight that pregnancy does have an impact on dental health.
The Surprising Reason Behind "Losing a Tooth After Childbirth" (Public Health Network)
II. Planning Pregnancy? Check Your Teeth First?
Many women preparing for pregnancy hear advice from those who've been there: "Before conceiving, get your teeth checked." Is there a connection between pregnancy and dental health? The answer is unequivocally yes. After becoming pregnant, many women experience significantly more oral health issues than usual, such as cavities, tooth decay, and gingivitis.Why exactly is this?
1. Pregnancy Brings Dental Troubles
It turns out that after becoming expectant mothers, women experience elevated levels of estrogen and weakened immune function. These changes cause blood vessels in the gums to dilate and become congested, leading to symptoms like gingivitis.Additionally, if the mother's intake of calcium and vitamins is insufficient during pregnancy, the fetus will directly absorb the mother's reserves. This leads to calcium and vitamin deficiencies in the expectant mother, triggering a series of dental issues like bleeding gums.Furthermore, some expectant mothers become less diligent about oral hygiene due to discomfort or morning sickness during pregnancy. Neglecting timely brushing or frequent snacking prevents thorough oral cleansing, allowing bacteria to accumulate. This can cause tooth inflammation and swelling, potentially progressing to periodontitis. Periodontitis damages the fibers and bone supporting teeth, being the primary cause of tooth loosening and loss.From this perspective, neglecting dental health before pregnancy can have truly serious consequences.
2. Dental Issues: The Baby Gets Caught in the Crossfire
"Toothache isn't a disease, but it can feel like death," especially for expectant mothers carrying a baby. An increase in oral diseases during pregnancy can cause mild emotional instability in the mother, affecting the fetus. More seriously, bacteria from infections can enter the bloodstream and cross the placenta, potentially leading to fetal malformations, miscarriage, or premature birth—the consequences are unimaginable.(1) Can Cavities Be Inherited? Cavities are a common dental issue—someone without them might be the odd one out. But did you know? Cavities can be hereditary! Studies show that if an expectant mother has cavities, her baby is significantly more likely to develop them too.That's terrifying! So, to avoid future complaints from your cavity-prone child, women planning pregnancy should stick to daily brushing.
(2) Pregnancy gingivitis—that's you!
Surprisingly, studies reveal that 80% of expectant mothers suffer from gingivitis, making pregnancy gingivitis a common oral health issue during pregnancy.Gingivitis doesn't resolve on its own. Without prevention, it can worsen other periodontal issues. The more severe a pregnant woman's gum disease, the higher the risk of premature birth and low birth weight for the baby. Treatment becomes more challenging, and even minor neglect can affect the baby's normal development and the mother's safety.
(3) Wisdom Teeth: A Love-Hate Relationship
As the youngest member of the dental family, wisdom teeth inevitably face exclusion from their older siblings. Their awkward, stubborn position makes them prone to trapping food debris, leading to bacterial growth and reproduction—the root cause of pericoronitis.The discomfort periodontitis brings to expectant mothers is undeniable. Beyond swelling in the cheeks, it can interfere with eating and, most critically, affect the fetus's mood and health. Therefore, if you encounter wisdom teeth before pregnancy, it's best to remove them completely to prevent future problems!