Pregnancy is a whirlwind of new experiences mixed with emotions of joy, anticipation, fear, and so much more. Although it’s always important to give attention to your health and well-being, the need is even higher during pregnancy, including dental care.
Hormone Changes
Thanks to those lovely hormones that make you crave chocolate chip rice pilaf, anything that includes a pickle, and a handful of other weird cravings, you may be even more prone to cavities and gingivitis while you’re pregnant. Here are five oral conditions to be aware of during pregnancy.
1. Pregnancy Gingivitis
Pregnancy gingivitis is something many women face during pregnancy. It’s when your gums become swollen and tender and may bleed, primarily due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. These hormone shifts boost blood flow to the gums, making your body react more strongly to plaque and causing inflammation. If not taken care of, pregnancy gingivitis can cause discomfort and bleeding and might even lead to more significant problems.
Research shows that severe gum disease could lead to complications like preterm birth or low birth weight. The inflammation from gingivitis could trigger certain fluids that may bring on labor. That’s why it’s so important for expectant moms to take extra care of their oral health. Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly can help prevent or manage pregnancy gingivitis, supporting your health and the baby’s well-being.
2. Pregnancy Tumors
Pregnancy tumors, or pyogenic granulomas, are a familiar but non-threatening condition that some women experience during pregnancy. These small growths often appear on the gums, typically around the second trimester. They’re usually red, raw-looking, and can bleed easily, which can be from hormonal changes and plaque buildup. Even though the name “tumor” sounds scary, these growths are harmless, non-cancerous, and don’t usually cause pain. Most of the time, they go away independently after giving birth.
They can sometimes cause discomfort or make eating, talking, or even brushing tricky. While they don’t directly affect the baby, they can make it harder for moms to maintain good oral health or get proper nutrition. Talking to a dentist is good if the growth becomes too large or painful. In some cases, cleaning to remove plaque might help, or in rare situations, a dentist may suggest removing the growth surgically. It’s always a good idea to check in with your dentist to keep things under control and maintain good oral health during pregnancy.
3. Teeth Looseness
Not many people talk about tooth mobility during pregnancy, but it can be an important issue. Hormonal changes affect the ligaments and bones supporting teeth, making them feel looser than usual. This is usually a temporary condition that should go away after childbirth, but it can cause some discomfort or even anxiety for expecting moms.
The main concern with loose teeth is that it can make brushing and flossing more difficult, leading to oral hygiene challenges. If it’s tough to keep up with good cleaning, it could increase the risk of gum disease or tooth decay, which can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, affect the mother’s overall health.
While the baby isn’t directly impacted by loose teeth, poor oral health can have indirect effects, so addressing the issue is essential. If you’re experiencing tooth mobility, checking in with your dentist is excellent. They can help you maintain your oral care routine and make necessary adjustments to keep your mouth healthy during pregnancy.
4. Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
If you feel like your mouth is dry during pregnancy, that’s because dry mouth, or xerostomia, is very common due to hormonal changes, dehydration, or certain medications. Saliva is important to our oral health. It neutralizes acids, washes away food particles, and protects the teeth from tooth decay and the gums from disease. Reducing saliva removes that protection, increasing the risk of oral health issues.
If you’re experiencing dry mouth while pregnant, try to boost your fluid intake and be vigilant about brushing and flossing. If the problem doesn’t go away, contact your West Haven dentist or doctor to help manage the situation and keep you and your baby healthy.
5. Erosion
Enamel erosion is something you should be aware of during pregnancy, especially if you’re dealing with frequent vomiting from morning sickness. The stomach acids that come up during vomiting can wear away the enamel on your teeth, which makes them more prone to decay and sensitivity.
If you’re experiencing this, ask your dentist for advice on protecting your teeth. In the meantime, rinsing your mouth with water after vomiting can help wash away the acids and reduce the risk of enamel damage.
With morning sickness and those intense cravings, it’s easy to let your oral health slip during pregnancy. But taking care of your teeth is more important than ever right now. If you’re looking for a dentist in Utah to help you maintain a healthy mouth during your pregnancy, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an appointment!