Pregnancy can affect dental health

Dental health during pregnancy is such an important issue. Misconceptions and misinformation about dental health during pregnancy are common — and often these issues aren’t discussed at prenatal appointments.

There are a number of dental health problems that can occur during pregnancy:

• –  Tooth decay. During pregnancy, increased acidity in the mouth increases the risk of tooth decay. Vomiting during pregnancy can aggravate the problem by exposing the teeth to more gastric acid. 
• –  Loose teeth. Increased levels of progesterone and estrogen can affect the ligaments and bones that support the teeth, causing teeth to loosen during pregnancy — even in the absence of gum disease. 
• –  Gum disease. The hormonal changes of pregnancy can lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the superficial gum tissue. Left untreated, severe gum disease may be associated with preterm birth and low birth weight.

So what can you do to keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy? Stick to the basics. Use a soft bristled toothbrush, Floss regularly and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash. If you have morning sickness, rinse your mouth after vomiting. If you are trying to fall pregnant, book in for a dental appoint before pregnancy to treat any dental problems ahead of time. Once pregnant, make an appointment to come into the surgery to check the health of your mouth to avoid any dental problems during the pregnancy. If you have questions or concerns about dental care during pregnancy, you can always call us and we will discuss your questions over the phone.