Show Notes
Surprising reasons oral health should be part of your preconception and pregnancy care! Your mouth is your portal to your whole body, and a microbiome feeder. Did you know dentures were a kind wedding gift for newly weds in Ireland at one time?
Host Helena Tubridy and dentist Dr. Christina Taut discuss how hormones, diet, saliva changes in pregnancy, and habits affect the mouth, and why prevention matters for both parent and baby.We discuss practical steps for brushing, flossing, dental visits, nutrition, and when children should first see a dentist. Christina also explains common concerns like dental treatment during pregnancy, effects on your baby's health, amalgam fillings, fluoride, and why public health systems should integrate oral health more closely with general care.
Key topics Christina explains how pregnancy hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, can increase gum bleeding, inflammation, and pregnancy gingivitis even when oral hygiene is good. She shares that saliva changes during pregnancy, including reduced flow and altered mineral levels, can affect the oral environment and raise risk. The conversation emphasizes that dental treatment is safe during pregnancy, with the second trimester often preferred for non-urgent work, while cleaning and scale and polish can happen at any stage. Christina says oral health before conception matters for both partners because bacteria can transfer between close contacts, so fathers and partners should not be left out of fertility conversations. Nutrition comes up repeatedly, with vitamin C, vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, and omega-3 discussed as important supports during pregnancy, alongside reducing sugary drinks and snacks. The episode highlights that pregnancy diabetes can significantly increase periodontal risk, making integrated medical and dental care especially important. Helena and Christina discuss how morning sickness and mouth acidity can damage enamel and increase sensitivity, and Christina stresses that dental teams are there to help, not judge. They cover common questions about replacing amalgam fillings, with Christina explaining that current concerns are environmental rather than based on proven health risks. Fluoride is discussed in depth, including the role of fluoride toothpaste and the ongoing debate around water fluoridation and its current impact on oral health. For children, Christina stresses early dental visits, ideally when the first tooth appears and definitely before age one to two, so dental care becomes normal from the start.
Timestamps 00:00 - Why oral health belongs in fertility and pregnancy planning 00:58 - Hormones, bleeding gums, and pregnancy gingivitis 02:07 - Saliva changes, cravings, and oral microbiome shifts 03:07 - Safe dental treatment during pregnancy and timing by trimester 05:19 - Why a partner’s oral health matters before conception 07:24 - When to return after birth or a C-section 09:42 - Nutrients that support pregnancy and gum health 11:11 - Pregnancy diabetes and higher periodontal risk 13:48 - Morning sickness, acid wear, and enamel sensitivity 16:02 - The amalgam filling debate and why replacement is not always needed 18:14 - Fluoride in water and why the issue remains contentious 23:59 - Christina’s PhD research and what it found about child well-being 26:35 - Why oral health education needs more public awareness 29:45 - When children should first see a dentist 33:09 - How “Lift the Lip” helps public health nurses spot early problems 35:29 - Why baby teeth matter and school checkups are not enough Fertility Finesse is your go-to podcast for smart, straight-talking conversations about fertility, IVF, miscarriage, and everything that comes with navigating this emotional rollercoaster. Hosted by internationally recognised fertility coach, trauma therapist, and former midwife Helena Tubridy, the show blends medical accuracy with lived experience. Expect expert guests from reproductive medicine, psychology, and alli
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