Why Do Some Women’s Teeth Loosen During Pregnancy?

It may sound like something from a horror film, but yes, oral health problems during pregnancy are one of many struggles women experience. And unfortunately, loose teeth are one of the alarming side effects that come along with motherhood. 

So, why do women experience loose teeth during pregnancy, and can it lead to further issues? 

According to the March of Dimes, an increase in hormone levels leads to an increase in acidity in the mouth. High levels of progesterone and estrogen, two hormones present during pregnancy, can lead to the loosening of the tissues and bones surrounding the teeth, which will wiggle back and forth. These loosened teeth are only temporary, however. 

A 2019 study published in PLoS One says that it’s common for women to think that they may even lose their teeth entirely during pregnancy. Loose teeth are possible, yes, but losing a tooth is connected to another underlying condition or issue with dental hygiene. 

For example, a more serious concern is gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. When gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to serious infections in the bones that support the teeth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that up to 75% of pregnant people experience gingivitis. 

Periodontal disease ultimately requires teeth to be pulled or extracted. According to a 2016 study, women with gum disease may go on to experience preterm labor or have babies with a low birth weight. This disease can also lead to bacteremia, which is when bacteria enter the bloodstream. Bacteremia is a serious condition that requires professional help and treatment. 

In 2021, a mother of four came forward and shared her story with TODAY about how she wears full dentures at age 34 due to tooth decay during every one of her pregnancies. However, experts say her case is a rarity. 

Pregnancy can increase your chances of oral health problems, but pregnancy itself does not necessarily lead to loose teeth, cavities, or gingivitis. The National Library of Medicine says that losing a tooth due to tooth decay stems from poor oral hygiene, poor diet, bad lifestyle habits, smoking, using drugs, or undiagnosed dental diseases. 

There are several factors that can contribute to changing dental health while pregnant. 

Changes in dental hygiene can be due to: 

• Disruption in hormones. 
• Change in diet and eating habits, like eating more snacks or sweets. 
• Loss in routine which leads to less brushing and less flossing. 
• Nausea while brushing or flossing may cause you to practice dental hygiene less, too. 

What are other dental issues that can occur? 

In addition to loose teeth, other dental concerns include cavities, which are more common during pregnancy. Bacteria can be passed down to your baby, which can cause problems later in your baby’s life. Since babies are born without any bacteria in their mouths, the bacteria from your cavities can be passed on and contribute to their cavities later on in the future either as a baby or as an adult. 

Refrain from getting a cavity filled while pregnant, especially amalgam or silver fillings that contain mercury. Mercury can be passed on to the baby through the placenta and is linked to miscarriage, preeclampsia, and low birth weight. If you must get a cavity filled while pregnant, get a mercury-free resin filling made of plastic and powdered glass. 

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that causes redness and swelling. It is typically induced by pregnancy hormones in the third trimester and can lead to gum disease if left untreated. Irritated gums can be calmed by rinsing with 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water. 

Vomiting from pregnancy can also lead to tooth erosion due to stomach acid that causes issues with the enamel of the teeth. Rinsing your teeth with fluoride mouthwash can help establish and restore enamel. 

A common misconception is that the calcium in a mother’s teeth is used for the baby. This is, in fact, a myth; a mother’s teeth don’t lose calcium while pregnant. 

Symptoms and prevention of dental problems

Not everyone experiences dental issues during pregnancy but if you have any symptoms, check in with your doctor or dentist for further care. 

Symptoms of dental issues include bad breath, loose teeth, mouth sores, receding gums, bleeding gums, pus on the gumline, toothaches, or swollen gums. 

Preventing dental problems during pregnancy can be accomplished during regular checkups. Before getting pregnant, make sure to get your regular dental cleaning and check in with your dentist about the state of your teeth and gums. 

To continue having healthy teeth and gums while pregnant:

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Floss twice a day
• Visit your dentist every 6 months
• Eat healthy foods and stay away from too many sweets
• Quit smoking 

Dental hygiene is incredibly important even when one isn’t pregnant. Lack of dental hygiene is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and oral osteoporosis. 

Overall, moms-to-be should learn how to keep themselves healthy and, in turn, keep their babies healthy. The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics launched Protect Tiny Teeth in 2019, which helps establish a conversation between doctors and pregnant patients about oral health. 

According to a 2011 study, children who are born to mothers with untreated cavities or tooth loss, have a three times higher chance of having cavities. 

In short, dental health matters. Doctors who begin examining oral health early on can educate and update their patients on the importance of dental health during pregnancy. 

So, to prevent wiggling teeth, keep your gums, teeth, and toothbrush skills up to date.