Dental Health During Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes many changes in a woman's body. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can result in certain health conditions, such as oral complications. Discover some dental health issues that happen during pregnancy. 

Tooth Cavities

When you become pregnant, the muscles that contain food inside the stomach become weak. At the same time, morning sickness causes the regurgitation of drinks and food.

This causes frequent vomiting that introduces strong stomach acids in the mouth. If these acids frequently come into contact with teeth, the surface of teeth will corrode and lead to tooth decay. The tooth decay will eventually lead to dental cavities.

The risk of tooth cavities in pregnant women is also higher due to changes in eating habits. Some women begin to crave sugary foods during pregnancy.

Bacteria in the teeth will then work on this sugar to form acids. The acids may then corrode the outside of the teeth and lead to teeth cavities.

If you experience vomiting during pregnancy, take measures to prevent damage to your teeth. For example, don't brush your teeth just after vomiting.

If you do, the brushing action can scratch teeth that have stomach acids. Instead, wash your mouth using plain tap water. You can also use a mouthwash that has fluoride.

Gingivitis

About 75% of all pregnant women have gingivitis at some point during the pregnancy. Gingivitis happens when the gums swell and become red due to inflammation.

The inflammation may happen because of hormonal changes during pregnancy. If you don't get treatment, the bone supporting the teeth will become lost, and the gums may get infected.

Once the bone supporting the teeth becomes loose or breaks away, the tooth will become loose and may also fall away. The condition can also lead to low birth weight and preterm birth. However, scientists are yet to know how poor pregnancy outcomes affect gum health.

Periodontal Disease

If you don't get treatment for gingivitis, you might get periodontal disease. Periodontal disease develops due to severe infections of the gums. The condition also arises due to damage to the bones that support your teeth.

When you have periodontal disease, teeth become loose, and you may have to undergo tooth extraction. Periodontitis can also introduce bacteria into the bloodstream if you don't get immediate treatment.

Pregnancy Tumors

Pregnancy tumors are also referred to as pyogenic granuloma. The tumors are not cancerous but can create lumps in the spaces between teeth and on the gums. You will easily identify the tumors because they appear raw and red and can bleed easily. 

One common cause of pregnancy tumors is the accumulation of plaque, a sticky substance on the teeth. Fortunately, most of these pregnancy tumors will heal on their own once you give birth.

Caries

A substantial percentage of age-bearing women have dental caries, a condition where bacteria ferments carbohydrates and causes acids. These acids demineralize enamel and can cause tooth decay.

Pregnant women are more prone to caries due to dietary cravings, more acidity in the mouth, and less attention to oral hygiene. Caries initially appear white but will later mutate into brownish cavities.

Failure to get treatment for dental caries may result in facial cellulitis and oral abscess. Mothers with high caries may also transmit the condition to their children.

Loose Teeth

Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause loose teeth. The high levels of these hormones weaken bones and the ligaments that support teeth. Fortunately, the condition is temporary and will result in tooth loss.

A visit to a dentist is important at all times, but pregnant women should see dentists more often. Carlino & Paton DDS PC offers quality dental services and restorations to patients of all ages. We use advanced equipment and patient-focused strategies to boost dental health. Contact us for more information.