Myth or truth: calcium loss during pregnancy causes tooth loss

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, calcium requirements increase. However, this does not mean that the mother needs to ingest more calcium.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, “women over 18 years of age should consume 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day.” It also states that a higher intake of calcium (whether through food or supplement) does not prevent calcium loss during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Changes in bone density are temporary, so proper nutrition throughout pregnancy, breastfeeding and post-breastfeeding is important to recover bone density.

On the other hand, other factors could cause tooth loss during pregnancy. One of them is the well-known “cravings.” Eating constantly during the day and not performing proper oral hygiene can cause the accumulation of bacteria, plaque and cavities.

If cavities are left untreated, the cavities will continue to advance in the tooth until they reach the nerve and if not treated properly, the tooth could be lost.

Another factor is hormonal changes during pregnancy, making the gums more inflammation-prone. Thus, a small presence of plaque can cause an exacerbated inflammatory reaction. This makes the gums “swell”, look reddish and bleed. This gingivitis in the long term can develop into periodontitis and eventually the tooth can fall out due to the destruction of bone in the area.

How to prevent tooth loss during pregnancy?

As mentioned above, decalcification is unrelated to tooth loss during pregnancy. However, cavities and gingivitis are.

Both can be prevented with a proper dental hygiene routine and visits to the dentist. Dental hygiene should consist of brushing, flossing, and rinsing. For optimal hygiene, you can also complement your oral health routine with a water irrigator.

The use of the water irrigator will clean those spaces where the toothbrush cannot reach.

It is highly recommended that dental hygiene be performed after eating some food.

Visits to the dentist during this pregnancy period should be done to perform a preventive checkup in which cavities and gum disease will be detected and the dentist will determine if dental prophylaxis is necessary.

If you notice any of the symptoms described above, it is recommended that you request an evaluation by the dentist.

What should I do if my teeth fall out during pregnancy?

If you have lost a tooth during pregnancy, there is a solution for you:

 

 

• Dental implants: The best treatment alternative for replacing a lost tooth. A dental implant, which acts as an “artificial root” for the tooth, will be placed on a pillar and a crown. This will give a natural appearance and will not be noticeable when smiling. In addition, this alternative prevents bone loss in the jaws.

 

 

 

• Conventional bridge or prosthesis: These alternatives consist of replacing the lost tooth with devices that are attached to the remaining teeth to restore aesthetics and function.
  In the case of preferring a fixed bridge, it will be necessary to wear down (carve) the teeth that will be used as supports.

 

 

 

In the case of preferring a removable device, the replacement of the lost tooth will be held in place by “hooks” on the remaining teeth.

In summary, it can be said that decalcification during pregnancy is not the cause of losing teeth during pregnancy or breastfeeding, but rather it is the accumulation of bacteria and hormonal changes that make the gum more prone to inflammation and cause gingivitis.

Our dentists will be your allies to maintain adequate oral health, either to prevent or help you solve the loss of a tooth.

Schedule your appointment by WhatsApp. Our dental clinic is in Surco, Lima.