Pregnancy is an incredibly special time that’s filled with anticipation and joy. It’s also a busy time when mothers have to think about everything from their diet and lifestyle to how they want to decorate the nursery. But did you know how important it is for pregnant women to focus on their oral health as well? Many people are surprised to learn that pregnancy can have such a big impact on a mother’s teeth and gums! Keep reading to learn about the common dental problems that can arise during pregnancy and how seeing a dentist for routine care can help.
How Can Pregnancy Impact Your Oral Health?
Studies have shown that pregnancy increases the risk for oral health problems such as:
- Cavities – Multiple factors can make tooth decay more likely for pregnant women, including hormonal changes that increase acid production, cravings for sugar or high-carbohydrate foods, and changes in routine that lead to less regular brushing and flossing. Hormone levels also mean that plaque and bacteria can adhere to the teeth more easily, especially in the third trimester.
- Pregnancy Gingivitis – Once again, hormonal changes are to blame for gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), causing them to bleed more easily and become puffy, red and tender.
- Pregnancy Tumors – Some women experience an overgrowth of their gum tissue that can result in a “pregnancy tumor.” Often occurring during the second trimester, these areas of swollen tissue between the teeth are typically red, raw and bleed easily. However, despite the name, they aren’t cancerous and usually go away after giving birth.
How Can You Improve Your Oral Health During Pregnancy?
One of the most important things you can do during pregnancy is to see a family dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. These visits are crucial for a couple of reasons. First, they allow a dentist to find and treat problems early on, before they’ve caused extensive damage. This also minimizes the chance of having to treat a dental emergency such as a large painful cavity in the later stages of pregnancy.
Second, a professional cleaning is the only way to remove hard deposits of tartar and bacteria under the gums that would otherwise contribute to gingivitis. Checkups are also a great chance to get personalized tips for improving your oral hygiene at home.
You may also be interested to know that cleanings are so important during pregnancy that some dental insurance plans cover three instead of two during this time, so it’s always a good idea to check your benefits.
Pregnancy is a busy time when it can be easy to forget about dental care. But by investing a little time and effort in your oral health before giving birth, you’ll be able to devote more of your energy to your new baby down the road.
About the Author
With decades of experience as a family dentist, Dr. Hal Lippard is dedicated to providing his patients with outstanding care at every stage of life. With extensive knowledge of how pregnancy can affect a mother’s teeth and gums, he’s helped countless women achieve happy, healthy smiles during this important time in their lives. If you have any questions about pregnancy and dental health, he can be reached via his website, or at (434) 293-9311.