Post Partum Dental Problems

Posted by Charlene Prince Birkeland

The cliché about having children is that they are a gift that keeps on giving. Did you ever think that phrase could correlate to post partum dental health?

Most new moms-to-be know they should be diligent with dental care in pregnancy. Brushing and flossing are key since studies had shown periodontal disease can cause premature labor. You also want to avoid major dental work during pregnancy since x-rays are a big no-no.

But new moms...did anyone ever tell you that you could experience major dental problems as a result of calcium loss during pregnancy?

Extreme Root Canal Therapy for the New Mom

Prekids, my teeth were perfectly healthy. Ten weeks after first my son was born, I was in the dentist's chair for root canal therapy. It would be the first of six root canals over the following five years. That’s right – six root canals.

I’ve spent the past two days undergoing root canal therapy, only to learn that two previous root canals have to be redone. Ack!

The cause of my dental problems? Pregnancy and breastfeeding, which depleted my calcium supply enough to render my teeth helpless to decay (or sugar monsters, as I tell my son when I'm off to visit the dentist). I would never trade my two boys for healthy teeth. But all the same, I wish someone had told me about it before and during my pregnancies. Instead, I received a matter of fact "Oh, yeah, having babies can completely ruin your dental health" statements when I was at the dentist with my teeth in a state of disarray. And the more I speak with other moms, the more I learn it's a common, "underground" problem.

Pregnancy and Dental Health

Planning on getting pregnant and/or being a nursing mama? You know you’re supposed to have adequate calcium intake during pregnancy to help the baby develop. It’s also so baby doesn’t steal your supply. But take heed -- Baby can be a calcium thief anyway!  Be sure to speak your dentist and Ob/Gyn about steps you can take to prevent calcium loss during pregnancy and breastfeeding. You many not entirely avoid dental problems, but it definitely helps to be aware and know what you can expect. The National Institute of Health has a fantastic fact sheet you can download with information on calcium, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Dental Problems Sap Time from the Working Mom

If you're a new mom, don't be surprised if your teeth give you a hard time. And if you’re a working mom, factor in time lost through dental procedures. Root canal therapy takes approximately five hours to from the first diagnosis through the actual procedure and the final application of a crown. That’s five hours typically spread over a month. Add to that a dash of pain and, well, crankiness, and you’re looking at some major time lost to dental woes. Not exactly the whiz-bang effect you want when returning to work after maternity leave!

Kids, the gift that really does keep on giving!

Comments

[Selfmademom]

Who knew? All I know is that my gums bled like hell when I was preggers. I haven't had to deal with any of this yet(knock wood) but I am going to the dentist next week, so cross your fingers.

[Susan]

Man, I thought I had it bad when I had to get two cavities filled after Cassie was born! Six root canals plus do-overs are waaay worse. But good warning for new moms.

Susan @ Working Moms Against Guilt
http://wmag.blogspot.com

[jennyfran]

i'm so dreading going to the dentist!! I too have "do-over" rootcanals looming in the dark recesses of places I once could chew on. To make matters even worse, I also have some rotted out wisdom teeth that break away daily. I'm scared senseless of the dentist and am even more afraid of the dangers of medication, methodology, and length of procedure since I am a happy breastfeeding mommy. I remember losing days in the dentist chair! I'm also concerned with fillings I've had or may need. I've read that silver fillings contain mercury which can be passed thru bmilk?

[Rose]

I wish I would have kept on top of my calcium intake too because after breastfeeding my second child I have bone loss and extreme sensitivity in my teeth. He's 10 months old and have started taking calcium supplements and having lots of calcium, instead of a coffee! It is so painful so ladies take notice!

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During my sixteen years practicing psychiatry I have treated dozens of men experiencing major depression after fathering a child.These men have come to my office with symptoms like low mood, tearfulness, decreased self-esteem, impaired sleep and decreased concentration.

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Thank you for bringing up this very important issue,i really need to solve my dental problem and your blog has a big contribution.

by: florence

[Jenn]

I also began to have teeth problems while pregnant and my son is now 4 years old and my teeth are still falling apart do to the lack of calcium when I was preggo. It sucks at 27 most of my teeth are rotting out and I took great care of my teeth all my life

[xxx]

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