Pregnancy is a life-changing experience that can affect many aspects of your health—including your oral health. As a result, expectant mothers need to make some changes to their dental care routine. To learn preventative measures you can take, learn more about these health changes and adjustments in the guide below:

How Pregnancy Affects Your Teeth & Gums

The natural alterations of a woman’s hormones, often leading to behavioral changes, associated with pregnancy can also be evidenced in the oral cavity. A benign swelling on the gums typically goes away after child birth. These tissue changes seen during pregnancy can present with varying types of gingival enlargements or overgrowths. Hormones potentiate the gum tissue’s response to local irritants such as dental calculus or even soft plaque which makes a good practice of flossing and brushing after meals, a bit more critical to minimize the irritation of the gingival connective tissues. 

Good practice for any and all forms of enlargements, is basically good oral hygiene. Tissue enlargements that do not cause significant functional or esthetic problems should not be excised during pregnancy.  Often these tissue alterations will resolve spontaneously post-partum.

Aditionally, the risk of dental caries increases with pregnancy in response to the consumption of sugary food lead by pregnancy cravings. 

Best Remedy

Maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine is key. Brush food off teeth after meals or snacks and floss at least once before going to bed. 

Those healthy habits will control bacteria and as plaque levels are decreased.

Focus on healthy diet and minimize snacking. A diet low in sugar will be good for mom and baby. 

Regular dental exams and cleanings can keep your teeth healthy and make being with child for 8 months a smoother process during this exciting and wonderful time of motherhood. 

In need of an experienced dental care professional to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy during pregnancy? At the office of Teresa Wade, DDS - Family Dentistry in Andrews, TX, you’ll receive compassionate care. Their dentist is Texan born and raised and has over 38 years of experience. Browse their services online. Then call (432) 523-7782 for an appointment today.