Oral Health and Pregnancy by Your Nashua, NH Dentists

Being pregnant is hard enough! Not to add salt to the wound, but you might experience some severe oral health issues. However, you don’t need to worry too much because with expert care from Rose Dental Nashua, NH dentists, you can get through common pregnancy oral problems.

How Being Pregnant Affects Dental Health

Pregnancy and oral health go hand in hand because of the hormones your body releases when expecting. These can cause some severe problems, not least gum disease. Your mouth becomes more susceptible to issues such as plaque build-up that causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums. It can also become painful to brush. Changing your routine such as using a softer brush or a water flosser will help. Yet you also need expert guidance from a dentist.

Common Mouth Issues when Pregnant

As mentioned, there are some dental problems that can occur when you are pregnant. Your dentist will help you come up with a routine. Yet some of the most common issues are:

• Pregnancy gingivitis (gum disease) is common, affecting up to 75% of women.
• You may also experience an epulis, a non-cancerous lump on your gums.
• Decreased tooth enamel from acids can cause cavities.
• Vomiting from morning sickness can also cause weakened enamel from acid.
• Gums can bleed and become sensitive when brushing and flossing.

You may or may not experience one or more of these oral problems that can come with being pregnant. Taking your oral health care seriously will help avoid most and a dentist will also help.

What Nashua, NH Dentists Recommend

There are many changes you go through from the first trimester onwards. Rose Dental Nashua, NH dentists can’t help you with most. But we can help you to protect your teeth during pregnancy. Prevention is better than the cure and you can tackle most issues with some prior knowledge. We encourage regular visits to help you come up with an amended routine throughout your pregnancy, as some of the worst problems don’t occur until the third trimester. 

Some Questions You May Have

Dental care is a complex issue made even more challenging when you are expecting. Many expectant mothers have questions about oral care and how to go about improving it.

What is the most common oral complication of pregnancy?

Gingivitis, or gum disease, is by far the most common complaint of expectant moms. This includes painful bleeding gums and inflammation, most commonly during the third trimester.

Why do I feel bad in my mouth while pregnant?

The different hormones released when pregnant can cause various issues. These include heightened taste and smell because of increased estrogen production in the first trimester.

What are the oral manifestations of pregnancy?

There are some common oral symptoms associated with being pregnant. Throughout each trimester, you may experience root issues, gum infections, and pregnancy gum disease.

Dental Treatments to Avoid When Pregnant

You will need to discuss a tailored oral care with your local Nashua, NH dentists if you are worried about losing your teeth during pregnancy. There are many things you can do. However, there are also some things you should avoid when it comes to pregnant oral care. For example, fillings may need to be delayed until after your baby’s birth. Any dental X-rays will also typically be delayed. You should also avoid home-based treatments such as tooth whitening products.

Call Rose Dental for a Consultation

If you have any queries or wish to discuss oral health when pregnant, please call Rose Dental at 603-882-7201. Alternatively, you can use our online booking form to make an appointment.