During pregnancy it is normal to experience changes in your body. Did you know that it’s also normal to see changes in your smile?
Nausea and Vomiting
Morning sickness can result in increased acid exposure to your teeth. If this continues for long enough, ireperable erosion of the enamel surfaces of the teeth can occur. Instead of brushing your teeth right after a period of vomiting, rinse your mouth out with water. This prevents acids from being scrubbed across other tooth surfaces. Add a fluoride rinse at least once a day to keep enamel strong.
Bleeding Gums
Your hormones can cause increased gum inflammation and bleeding, even if you haven’t ever had problems before. Be sure to floss daily and maintain regular hygienist visits to prevent bacterial plaque induced gum disease.
Pregnancy Tumours
In few circumstances, you may develop growths on your gum tissues called “pregnancy tumors.” These typically go away as soon as the baby is born. Be sure to have your dentist check the area to make sure it is not an abscess or other condition.
Tooth Decay
Some women claim to see an increase in tooth decay when they are pregnant. There is no good reason why this should be the case. It is always as a result of a drop in oral hygiene standards or alterations to the diet. Mothers can pass decay causing bacteria to their children, so treating it early is important. Mothers who chew sugar free gum with Xylitol during their pregnancies report having children with fewer cavities and stronger teeth.
Your Oral Health Impacts Your Baby’s Health
If you have gum disease, it could be damaging to your baby’s health. Pregnant women with gum disease can:
- Experience pre-term labor
- Have higher rates of low birth weight infants
- Pass bacteria through the bloodstream to their baby
Eliminating oral infections will help improve your chances of carrying to full term.
Continue to visit us for regular oral care through your pregnancy. If treatment is needed, we will discuss whether it needs to be completed immediately or if it should wait until after your delivery. We’re happy to answer any questions about your care and how it is impacted by pregnancy. Schedule your oral health visits every 6 months!
