Oral Thrush During Pregnancy: Causes, Signs, Symptoms, And Treatment Options

Being pregnant has its challenges and dealing with oral health issues can complicate things further. Oral thrush is common during pregnancy and can show up in about 20-38% of pregnant women. Hormonal changes and other shifts in the body may create oral thrush. However, oral thrush can be prevented and treated with proper diet and oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing.

Oral Thrush During Pregnancy

Anyone can get oral thrush, even pregnant people. If you notice white substances forming in your mouth or experience discomfort, be sure to go to your dentist, dental hygienist or doctor. When you are pregnant, it may be more common to get oral thrush due to hormonal changes. If the mother has an active infection during delivery, it is possible for thrush to be passed on to the baby. However, oral thrush can be treated and healed and it's best to catch it immediately when you first have symptoms.

• Diagnosing and managing oral thrush early when you're pregnant is important for your own comfort and to reduce the chance of passing it to your baby during birth.
• You may be more susceptible to oral thrush if you are pregnant because of the hormonal changes that happen that create an environment where thrush is more likely to form.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a condition that occurs when a fungus called Candida albicans builds up on the lining of your mouth. You will notice white patches or white lesions in your mouth, typically on your tongue or inner cheeks.

• Other symptoms of oral thrush are redness in the mouth or a loss of taste.
• If you experience a cotton like feeling in your mouth you may have oral thrush.

Oral Thrush Prevention While Pregnant

Keeping up with your oral care is key to preventing oral thrush from forming. However, sometimes the side effects of being pregnant may still cause oral thrush to develop.

Try these tips to help prevent oral thrush while pregnant:

• Practice a consistent oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice daily and flossing once daily
• Avoid smoking and tobacco
• Rinse with salt water
• Take care of your diet and avoid yeast filled foods
• Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating
• Avoid touching your mouth often
• Stay hydrated and drink a lot of water regularly
• Limit sugar in take

Treatment for Oral Thrush in Pregnancy

Your dentist, dental hygienist or doctor will explore the best oral thrush treatments when you are pregnant. They can assess any other health conditions and guide you in what treatment options are best. Sometimes oral thrush can go away on its own. Often, an antifungal medication, such as a mouth rinse or lozenge, will need to be used.

Consulting with your doctor about oral thrush treatment is imperative because there are antifungal medications, such as fluconazole, that are not safe for pregnant women to take.

Natural Remedies for Oral Thrush During Pregnancy

Consult with your doctor, dentist or dental hygienist to determine how to best treat oral thrush while pregnant. There are natural remedies that can help or may prevent oral thrush. However, to get rid of thrush, it may require other remedies and medications. The best natural remedy to help and prevent oral thrush is brushing and flossing daily and keeping up with your oral care!

Causes of Oral Thrush in Pregnancy

When you are pregnant your hormones change, which may trigger an environment for oral thrush to develop. Estrogens have been found to promote candida. Pregnancy affects the body in many ways, and hormonal shifts can increase your susceptibility to certain oral health conditions, including thrush. Always talk to both your doctor and dental professional about prenatal oral care and to know what conditions you may be susceptible to.

Oral Health Issues and How to Prevent Them

Common oral health issues can include cavities and tooth decay, gum disease, staining and sensitivity. The main culprit of which is often plaque buildup—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If not treated, these conditions can lead to tooth loss and may even affect your overall health.

By following a complete oral care routine, you can help nip these issues in the bud, for a stronger, healthier smile:

• Brush 2X/day with an Oral-B iO Electric Toothbrush: An electric toothbrush, like an Oral-B iO, helps remove 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush. The dentist-inspired round brush head surrounds each tooth as it adapts to the curves of teeth and gums to ensure a cleaner, healthier smile—even in hard-to reach areas.
• Protect Your Smile with a Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste: Make sure to brush twice a day with a stannous fluoride toothpaste. Not only does it help fight cavities and tooth decay, a Crest toothpaste formulated with stannous fluoride also strengthens enamel, fights sensitivity, and provides lasting protection against plaque buildup with twice-daily brushing.
• Rinse with Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Mouthwash: Swish with this alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash to help rinse away leftover plaque, support gum health, and leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh.
• Pair String Floss with an Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced: Flossing once daily helps dislodge plaque and debris from between teeth. Adding a water flosser, like the Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced, to your routine can help remove any leftover food particles and plaque buildup for an added layer of protection.

By following a thorough oral care routine at home and visiting your dental professional at least twice a year, you can reduce the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and protect your smile for years to come.