Before we begin, let us first start by saying that if you’re pregnant, congratulations! This is an exciting time full of many emotions from nervousness to pure joy. Though there is much to look forward to while being pregnant, there is also much to prepare for. Dental health during pregnancy is just as important as many other health aspects you’ve considered. You must ensure that you’re eating healthily, abstaining from harmful drugs and alcohol substances, and moreover, taking care of your dental health.

So, why exactly is dental health so important while pregnant? If you’re wondering this, you’re not alone. Many individuals aren’t aware of just how important dental care is while pregnant. To answer your question, we’ll first consider hormonal changes.

As your body prepares to grow a whole new life, your hormones will change, resulting in changes throughout your body. For instance, many women are more likely to develop gingivitis during pregnancy. Gingivitis is an infection of the gingivae (gums) that can cause both swelling and tenderness. If left untreated, this can affect the supporting tissues that hold your teeth in place. To resolve this issue, your dentist may recommend more dental cleanings.

How else does pregnancy affect my dental health?

● An increase in hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen, can lead to an increase in certain oral health problems.
● Pregnancy can lead to certain cravings. If this includes sugary foods, your oral health may change.
● Some women have experienced nausea while brushing and flossing their teeth. This may lead to a decrease in this activity, thus resulting in plaque buildup.

Additional changes can include:

Cavities

Cavities are small, damaged areas on the surface of your teeth. The bacteria from these areas can be passed to your baby during pregnancy or after birth if left untreated.

Gingivitis

As expressed above, Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. Ignoring this issue can cause even more severe forms of gum disease. In fact, nearly 60 to 75 percent of women have gingivitis.

If you are pregnant and are experiencing problems with your gums, you’ll likely notice:

● Redness and swelling
● Gum tenderness
● Bleeding of gums
● Shiny gums

Loose teeth

High levels of hormones during pregnancy can attribute to temporarily loosening tissues andbones that hold your teeth in place. This can loosen your teeth.

Periodontal disease

As we’ve mentioned above, gingivitis can get worse if left untreated. In many cases, this results in Periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a serious infection in the gums and problems with the bones that support the teeth. Your teeth may loosen as well and even be extracted.

Pregnancy tumors

Breathe a sigh of relief because pregnancy tumors are not cancerous. They are, however, lumps that form on the gums, typically between teeth. Pregnancy tumors will appear red and raw and bleed easily. They can be caused by far too much plaque. These tumors are known to go away after giving birth.

Tooth erosion

Excessive vomiting from morning sickness can affect your teeth from stomach acid. If you’ve been suffering from the waves of morning sickness, consult with your doctor or dentist to discuss your options.

During pregnancy, dental cleanings are necessary

At North Pointe Dental Associates, we want your baby to have a happy and healthy transition into our big, bright world. To ensure that you are appropriately taking care of all aspects of your health, get a highly suggested dental cleaning at North Pointe Dental Associates. Give us a call today to make an appointment!

For more pregnancy and oral health facts, check out the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention’s list here.