How Does Pregnancy Affect My Dental Health?

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Pregnancy can be an exciting time. Along with the changes in your body, your mouth may also experience some new and possibly not so exciting changes. It is important to recognize if these changes happen so that you and your mouth can stay healthy.

 One change you may experience while pregnant is bleeding and sensitive gums when you brush or floss. This is typically due to inflammation in your gums because of hormonal changes. This condition is known as pregnancy gingivitis and is a precursor to more serious periodontal  disease. Luckily, pregnancy gingivitis can be treated effectively with regular dental cleanings. Your dentist may suggest extra cleanings based on severity.

Believe it or not, your teeth may also be more vulnerable to cavities. Morning sickness and diet changes contribute to this. Make sure to practice good hygiene at home to help prevent tooth decay. Brush twice per day for two minutes and floss once a day. If morning sickness is an issue or if brushing sets off your gag reflex, try rinsing with water or Listerine and wait 30 minutes after morning sickness to brush your teeth. A smaller toothbrush head may also help as well as changing the time of day you brush. 

Many women decide to not go to the dentist while pregnant. This is a big mistake! Dental check-ups, routine cleanings, and getting cavities filled during pregnancy are safe and can help prevent a dental emergency. If you have concerns about procedures or practices, make sure to express those concerns to your dentist. Your dentist can help you come up with the best course of action for keeping your mouth healthy before, during, and after pregnancy.

 Still concerned about seeing your dentist while pregnant or have further questions? Take a look at these helpful resources:

~ Cyrus M. Larson, DMD

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