Brushing and flossing your teeth and seeing a dentist bi-annually is necessary for the preservation of anyone’s oral health. However, during pregnancy, hormonal changes can impact your teeth and gums more than normal and may require specialized care. The guide below explains what you can expect to see and what should be done about it.

How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Oral Health?

Pregnant women are more susceptible to gingivitis, or gum disease, than most. First, morning sickness produces acids in the mouth that can weaken dental enamel and second, they tend to have increased blood flow, which can cause the gums to swell and bleed. If left unchecked, periodontal disease, a more severe form of gingivitis, can contribute to early labor, which can be dangerous for the baby.

In addition, pregnancy tumors may appear in your mouth. These tissue overgrowths are not cancerous but can cause discomfort. Therefore, while you can wait until after your baby is born for them to disappear on their own, some expectant mothers choose to have their dentist remove them. 

What Steps Can You Take to Avoid Issues?

If you don’t have an appointment scheduled with your dentist, make one during the early months of pregnancy. Let your dentist know of your condition so they won’t use X-rays during the exam. However, they will still take a close look at your mouth and provide a dental cleaning to reduce your chances of gum disease.

Meanwhile, at home, make sure to wash your mouth out after vomiting to remove unwanted acid. Don’t brush right away, however. Since your enamel will be soft right after an incident, it may be damaged by the bristles. Instead, wait at least half an hour. Maintain a healthy diet and limit your consumption of simple carbohydrates and sugars as they also contribute to tooth decay. 

Keeping up with your routine oral exams and cleanings will help to prevent any pregnancy-related dental issues. If you’re located in Colorado Springs, CO, turn to the team at Peter A. McIntyre, DDS, PC for your next dentist appointment. This premier practice specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry services, from routine cleanings and x-rays to dental implants and dentures. Give them a call today at (719) 475-2511 to schedule an appointment. Visit the dental practice online to learn more about their full list of services.