What You Need To Know About Oral Health In Pregnancy
Expecting a baby is such an exciting and transformative time in your life. And naturally, you’re expecting some changes to your body over the next few months as you prepare to welcome your new arrival. One thing you might not have considered, though, is your oral health during pregnancy. The changing hormone levels that your body experiences increase the risk of experiencing complications with teeth and gums, so it’s good to focus more on keeping your mouth healthy at this time. You can achieve this through developing great habits at home and finding Nashua dentists who can schedule regular check-ups and any required dental treatment for you.
Gum Disease In Pregnancy
Hormones are essential in supporting your body through a healthy pregnancy, but they can also cause a few side-effects. One of these possibilities is making your gums swell up, a condition referred to as pregnancy gingivitis.You may notice your gums becoming swollen and sore to the touch, or experience bleeding when you brush your teeth. You can look after your teeth during this time by booking more appointments with the hygienist for a professional clean, using a softer toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums, and flossing at least once a day to dislodge food particles that get more easily stuck in swollen-up gums.
Oral Growths
Some women can also experience growths in their mouth, sometimes called ‘pregnancy tumors’ – although they are not in any way cancerous or malign. These growths are most likely to appear during the second trimester of your pregnancy. Usually they disappear naturally after you give birth and the hormone levels in your body naturally decrease, but if they are causing discomfort or issues with chewing food, your dentist can remove them safely.
Increased Oral Acid
Morning sickness is one of the unfortunate side effects of pregnancy – and as many women will know, it’s not just confined to the morning! If you are being sick a lot more than usual, then there is a risk to your teeth from all the stomach acid they are being exposed to. This also goes for heartburn and acid reflux, which many women can experience later on in the pregnancy. You might automatically want to brush your teeth after being sick, but that is a bad idea as the acid leaves the surface of your teeth more vulnerable to erosion. Instead, mix a teaspoon of baking soda in half a cup of water and rinse out your mouth. This will protect the enamel of your teeth and neutralize any odor
Scheduling Regular Visits To The Dentist
It’s important that you keep a close eye on your oral health while you are pregnant, so don’t neglect to schedule regular appointments with your dentist in Nashua. Your dentist can advise on adjusting treatments and medications to keep them safe while you are expecting. Procedures such as professional cleaning, dental x-rays and cavity filling are all perfectly safe for pregnant women, and are encouraged in order to keep on top of any issues. So make sure to book in for an appointment at regular intervals.