Your oral health goes through changes during pregnancy so keeping regular dental appointments become even more important.
Morning Sickness and Your Teeth
Many expectant mothers experience morning sickness. Aside from being uncomfortable, it is harmful to the teeth. Over time, corrosive stomach acid can significantly weaken enamel, allowing tooth decay to reach the vulnerable dentin more easily.
Brushing teeth after every instance of morning sickness can help protect against these destructive acids. Use gentle toothpaste intended to repair enamel. Without adequate enamel, stronger toothpaste especially those used for whitening can increase sensitivity to touch and temperature.
Cavities
Women are more prone to cavities during pregnancy because their calcium needs increase. If a pregnant woman is not consuming adequate calcium, the baby will pull it from other sources in the body like teeth and bone.
Ensure you’re consuming enough calcium while pregnant by eating leafy greens and dairy products. Take your prenatal vitamins and ask your doctor about adding calcium supplements if dietary changes are unlikely.
Pregnancy Gingivitis
Gingivitis occurs more easily in expectant mothers because the hormonal changes facilitate a bacterial film to grow on the gums. This advanced plaque growth contributes to initial gum disease. It’s very important to take precautions against this condition and treat it at the first sign of symptoms. Mothers with gingivitis have an increased chance of preterm birth and low-weight babies.
Women with preexisting gingivitis have an increased risk for it to worsen with pregnancy. If you’re expecting a baby, call to schedule a dental check-up at your earliest convenience. Catching and treating complications initially can prevent them from developing further.
Dental Growths
Although rare, these raspberry-like tumors can be uncomfortable and interfere with chewing. They grow on the gums because of the vascular nature of pregnancy hormones and form as a response of oral soft-tissue to the combination of plaque, gingivitis and these new hormones.
Call Our Columbia, MD Dentist to Improve Your Oral Health During Pregnancy
Schedule a visit before your second trimester. A deep cleaning may be recommended to prevent gingivitis and plaque-related complications.
If you have more questions about what to expect from your oral health during pregnancy, call Columbia Gateway Dentistry. We look forward to hearing from you!