Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman’s life, but it also presents challenges with her oral care. This is a time when many changes are happening to your body, including your mouth. There are hormonal changes that will affect your dental needs, and they can also affect the outcome of your pregnancy.
As we have told you many times in the past, your oral health is closely linked to your overall health.
Oral Health During Pregnancy
According to some data, as much as 50-percent of women develop gingivitis between the second and eighth months of pregnancy. The hormone changes are to blame here, and in most cases, the condition goes away after your baby is born. Hormones are to blame here because they may increase the irritation in your gums and some patients are more susceptible than others to gum disease.
Moreover, the old wives tales about losing a tooth with each new baby are not entirely accurate. However, there is an increased risk of having loose teeth during pregnancy. Progesterone and estrogen production can loosen the bones that keep your teeth in place.
Morning sickness can also contribute to decay. It’s a vicious circle because many women who suffer from morning sickness during pregnancy develop an aversion to the taste and texture of toothpaste. The stomach acid from vomiting can cause tooth decay. While the reaction is to brush your teeth immediately, we recommend you wait for about 30-minutes until the acid in your mouth goes away.
If you feel nauseous from toothpaste, you can rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash or water. You can also brush without toothpaste if you can’t tolerate it.
It is critical that you not skip your dental cleanings and regular checkups when you are pregnant because your needs will change, and you may develop certain conditions due to your pregnancy. Let us know about any other concerns during this special time in your life.
