Pregnant women must pay close attention to their health and wellness. This includes their dental health, as hormone fluctuations can directly impact it during pregnancy. This increases the risk of cavities and gum disease, but only if the proper dental care steps aren’t taken. 

Common Dental Issues During Pregnancy

While not all pregnancies cause the same effects, many women experience the following dental problems:

• More Cavities – Many pregnant women have a predilection for sweets and carbs. Sugar is the leading cause of cavities, as it provides the fuel oral bacteria needs to survive. 
• Advancing Gum Disease – Fluctuating hormones cause oral swelling, which is often referred to as pregnancy gingivitis. If left untreated, gum disease will become advanced and lead to gum recession and increased tooth sensitivity. 
• Enamel Wear – Morning sickness is a problem for many women during pregnancy. When stomach acid remains on teeth, it weakens the enamel and makes it more susceptible to oral bacteria. 
• Pregnancy Tumors – While benign, pregnancy tumors do cause pain and discomfort. They also make dental care harder due to increased oral irritation. 

What You Can Do to Improve Oral Hygiene

The first step is to let your dentist know you’re pregnant, so they can advise you on the proper dental care. Also, don’t neglect brushing or flossing your teeth for the duration of your pregnancy. The better you care for your teeth, the less likely you are to experience the above effects. 

If you experience bouts of morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water afterward. It will wash away acids to prevent them from damaging your enamel. When it comes to pregnancy tumors, your dentist can remove them if they are too uncomfortable or interfere with eating or speaking. 

Oral health can influence general health and vice versa. This is the core principle behind Total Health Dentistry in Cold Spring, KY. Dr. Rachel Gold believes in a holistic approach to dental care, which begins with an examination and teeth cleaning. This clinic also provides restorative and cosmetic procedures and even offers dental care to kids. Call (859) 441-1230 today to schedule an appointment or stop by the patient center online to prepare for your first visit.