Pregnancy can be an exciting time and while you have so much to plan for, your oral health may be one of the last things you’re thinking about. But it’s more important than ever to pay close attention to your dental health in this time.
That’s because hormone changes during pregnancy can affect your oral health and many pregnant women notice that their gums are red, inflamed and sometimes bleed when they brush their teeth. In some cases, women have reported severe swelling and bleeding. All of this means that you must keep a high standard of oral hygiene, both through regular visits to the dentist and having a good oral hygiene routine at home.
Pregnancy and your oral health
The swelling and inflamed gums are referred to as ‘pregnancy gingivitis’ and can start as soon as the second month of pregnancy, although the condition tends to peak around the eighth month before gradually disappearing once the baby is born. While the symptoms of ‘pregnancy gingivitis’ are the same as gingivitis, the causes are different.
The hormone progesterone can be around ten times higher than normal during pregnancy, affecting the body’s response to toxins as a result of plaque build-up. Women are therefore more susceptible to developing periodontal disease when these hormonal fluctuations occur.
Some women also experience a growth on their gums known as a pregnancy granuloma or ‘pregnancy tumour’ which are red nodules, usually found on the upper gums, although they can appear elsewhere in the mouth. They usually develop in the second trimester and bleed easily, forming an ulcer or crusting over. While they are not dangerous, they can cause discomfort.
It is thought that poor oral hygiene plays a major factor in the development of pregnancy granulomas, although the exact cause is unknown. Causes can however include trauma, hormones, viruses and malformed blood vessels.
Other oral health problems women may suffer with include tooth erosion as a result of constant exposure to acid from severe morning sickness, which erodes the enamel on the back of the front teeth. Dry mouth is another major complaint, but can be easily remedied by drinking lots of water and using sugarless candies to stimulate saliva.
Top tips for a healthy mouth during pregnancy
You can ensure you have a healthy mouth during pregnancy by sticking to an oral hygiene routine which includes brushing, flossing and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash on a daily basis. Your diet also plays a major part not only for yourself but also the development of your baby’s teeth, so a balanced diet with all the vitamins and minerals necessary for good nutrition is vital.
Get strong and healthy bones and teeth by eating plenty of foods containing calcium, such as milk, cheese and dairy products. Avoid snacking on sugary or acidic foods, no matter how much your cravings tempt you, and finally visit your dentist for a check-up. Make a healthy mouth something to always expect – long after the little one is due.
Yours in oral health,
