Morning Sickness:
Pregnancy is an exciting time in women’s life. Many changes
occur in the body during such short time of nine or ten months. It is busy time
too with visits to gynecologist preparing for baby’s arrival. Dental
visits during pregnancy are often
neglected / ignored. It is very important to maintain oral hygiene during pregnancy since the hormonal imbalances may
cause gum diseases and oral health may affect the health of the baby in the womb. Vomiting due to
Morning sickness is potential risk for dental health. Morning sickness is one of the common
experiences for most of the pregnant women. This is caused due to change in the hormone levels which slow
down the emptying of stomach. The high level of HCG (Human Chronic Gonadotropin) in early period
of pregnancy causes nausea and vomiting. The HCG produces another hormone Progesterone which
slows down the smooth muscle contractions; this is required to prevent contraction of uterus and
pushing out fetus early. The progesterone affects the smooth muscle that pushes the food through
oesophagus, stomach, and intestine and slows down the passing of the food. The
oesophagus valve that prevents the pushing back of food contents in the stomach
to oesophagus also weakens due to progesterone. The slow emptying of stomach,
weakened oesophagus valve and also
contraction of the stomach by enlarging uterus have combined result of gastric reflux and vomiting. Morning sickness
is referred so since it is severe in the morning hours and lasts till noon.
Some may have it any part of the day.
The morning sickness generally starts in the second month of missing the period
(conceiving) and may last till 14th week of pregnancy. The stomach acids
secreted for digestion of food come into mouth due to gastric reflux. These
acids affect the enamel of the teeth and
cause erosion of the dentin. It is natural temptation to brush teeth after vomiting. This is much more hazardous since
brushing will further spread the acid on the enamel and cause more damage/ erosion and tooth decay.
The risk of tooth decay due to morning sickness is better avoided following the
few guidelines below Do not brush your teeth immediately after vomiting. Strong
acids from the stomach will soften the enamel and vigorous brushing will scrape
the enamel on the teeth and cause erosion.
Rinse your mouth with plain water immediately after vomiting so that the
acids will not stay longer on the enamel
of teeth. Use of fluoridated water or a mouth rinse (add a teaspoon of baking
soda to a cup of water) will be helpful
in removing acids and neutralize them.
Apply a little bit of fluoridated toothpaste on your teeth with finger
and rinse out with water. This would relieve you from that bad taste in the
mouth and neutralize the acids. Wait at
least half hour after the vomiting before brushing the teeth, preferably with
soft bristles so that enamel is protected. Visit the dental clinic apart from
obstetrician to have better advice on the dental care you have to take during
pregnancy. The orthodontists at Dentist and Dontist Dental clinic are trained
and well experienced to make the pregnant woman comfortable in the dental chair
in the pleasant ambience of the Clinic and
offer help for oral hygiene during pregnancy.