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Most expectant mothers are preoccupied with the thought of welcoming a new baby into the world, which is why dental care might not make the list of things to worry about. However, pregnancy can spark all kinds of dental issues, including gestational gingivitis. Here is a brief guide to how pregnancy can affect your teeth, and how your dentist can help. 

Pregnancy & Oral Health

Why Does Pregnancy Affect Your Teeth?

When a woman becomes pregnant, their body is flooded with several hormones like progesterone and estrogen, which can change the delicate chemical balance inside the mouth. Additionally, pregnancy food cravings can prompt women to snack more frequently than they usually do, changing the acidity of the saliva and making teeth more susceptible to decay. 

Because of these complicating factors, pregnancy can cause all kinds of problems in the oral cavity, including gingivitis, tooth decay, tooth loss, and pregnancy dental tumors. These tumors can develop in the gum tissue during the second and third trimesters, making chewing and talking more difficult. 

What Symptoms Should You Watch Out For?

dentistPregnant women should watch out for any changes in their teeth or gum tissue, including discoloration, discomfort, and thickening of normal tissues. To keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy, the American Dental Association® (ADA) recommends meeting with your dentist regularly and having your teeth examined carefully for pregnancy-related problems. If you develop gingivitis during your pregnancy, you may need to visit your dentist more frequently to keep the problem from getting worse. 

 

If you are pregnant, make routine dental care a part of your prenatal routine. Brian S. Kubo, DDS, understands how difficult it can be to look after your smile, which is why he provides a variety of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental services. To learn more about how he can help, visit this Kamuela, HI, practice online or call (808) 885-8465.

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