4 Things To Know About Oral Health And Pregnancy

You’re expecting, and you’re aware that your body will undergo significant changes over the next nine months. However, you may be unaware of the link between oral health and pregnancy. Expectant mothers and fathers have a lot on their minds, but that doesn’t mean they should ignore their teeth and gums. Hormone fluctuations raise the risk of oral health problems such as gum disease and pregnancy tumours, which are small round raised areas on the gums. While you start preparing for your baby, here are a few things you should know to keep your mouth healthy:

Gingivitis Caused By Pregnancy

You couldn’t have a baby if you didn’t have hormones. With them, however, you feel a little moodier, your bladder feels like it’s much smaller, and for some reason, you constantly crave strange foods like peanut butter and pickles. Hormones also play a role in causing your gums to swell during pregnancy, resulting in a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. If you notice that your gums are bleeding more frequently during your pregnancy, you should take action. Your dentist may advise you to have professional teeth cleanings more frequently, at least until your baby is born.

Tumors

Some women also develop what are known as “pregnancy tumours” as a result of hormonal changes while pregnant. Don’t be alarmed by the name; pregnancy tumours are not cancerous. These growths most commonly appear during the second trimester and resemble small raspberries that form between the teeth. If they cause you pain, your dentist can remove them, but in most cases, the tumours will disappear after your baby is born. Nashua nh dentists are happy to provide comfort and advise you if you have tumours.

Morning Sickness

For many women, morning sickness is an unavoidable part of pregnancy. It also raises concerns about oral health and pregnancy, as stomach acid can be strong enough to contribute to tooth erosion. Later in your pregnancy, if you experience heartburn or acid reflux, the gastric acid can have the same effect on your teeth. Although you may be tempted to brush your teeth immediately after a bout of morning sickness, swish with baking soda and water instead. Baking soda is basic, which means it will help neutralise stomach acid. Mix about a teaspoon of it into a cup of water, then rinse your mouth with the mixture before bruising.

Actually Visiting Your Dentist

The dentist can be of great assistance in keeping your mouth (and your baby) healthy while pregnant. As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, notify your dentist. To avoid taking any risks, he or she may need to modify the treatments or medications given to you, such as postponing certain procedures until after your baby is born. Minor dental work, such as having a cavity filled or a professional cleaning, is often best done during the second trimester.

Pregnancy brings about significant changes in your body and lifestyle; remember that caring for your teeth and gums is just as important as caring for the rest of you.

If you want to find out how pregnancy and your oral health are doing today, get in touch with Rose Dental Nashua today and we’ll be able to assess your mouth. Our dentists will be more than happy to carry out an examination and help you with the next steps when it comes to validating your oral health.