How Pregnancy Can Impact Your Oral Health

We know that your pregnancy to-do list can be quite a long one. One thing you should definitely add to this list is a dental cleaning and an exam. It turns out that pregnancy can cause some problems with your dental health, especially your gum tissue. This is due to all the hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy. Because of this, it’s more important than ever to take good care of your teeth and gums.

Oral Health Problems that Can Occur During Pregnancy

Below are a few common dental problems associated with pregnancy:

• Tooth Decay – Because of some of the usual symptoms of pregnancy (exhaustion, nausea, morning sickness, etc.) it can be difficult to stay on top of your oral hygiene. However, the hormonal changes occurring in your body make it more important than ever to try to keep up with your dental hygiene routine. If you neglect your teeth, you’ll be more vulnerable to tooth decay and dental cavities.
• Gingivitis – During pregnancy, the hormonal changes make your gum tissue more susceptible to gingivitis, which is a condition that causes swelling, bleeding, and inflammation of the gum tissue. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which is a much more severe form of gum disease. If your gums are painful or bleed when you brush them, please visit our office as soon as possible.
• Pregnancy Tumors – Lastly, some women experience overgrowths of tissue on the gums, which are known as pregnancy tumors. Pregnancy tumors are more likely to occur in the second trimester and may be associated with extra dental plaque accumulating around the gum tissues. If your pregnancy tumors are causing pain or discomfort, please contact our office, but they should disappear after your child is born.

The best way to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy throughout your pregnancy is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and visiting Meadows Family Dental at least once during your pregnancy.

To make an appointment for a dental cleaning and an exam, please contact Meadows Family Dental. Our office is located here in Castle Rock, Colorado.