How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Teeth?

An important part of prenatal care involves taking care of your dental health. Pregnancy can increase the risk for many oral health problems, which can also end up affecting the pregnancy itself.

The changes your body can go through while pregnant often have a huge say in your dental health. Let’s explore the main ones and discover what you can do to protect your dental health while pregnant.

Common Health Issues That Can Appear During Pregnancy

There are many aspects of pregnancy that can influence your dental health, such as:

• Change in hormone levels
• Different eating habits
• Tender gums which affect your oral hygiene routine 
• Nausea can be heightening when you floss or brush, etc.

Because of these changes, pregnancy ultimately increases your risk of;

• Cavities, which usually occur because of a weak oral hygiene routine and leaving food particles in the mouth for long periods of time
• Gingivitis, which is increased because of pregnancy hormones
• Periodontal disease, which occurs if the gingivitis is not treated
• Loose teeth, also increased because of high levels of pregnancy hormones
• Tooth erosion, which is usually caused by morning sickness where the teeth are exposed to too much stomach acid

How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy During Pregnancy

If you are or are planning to get pregnant, it’s important to continue to see your dentist routinely. You can inform them of your pregnancy so that they can create a better treatment plan to either avoid or address some of the dental issues that could appear.

Apart from this, here are some other things you can do to protect your teeth during pregnancy:

• Brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss once a day
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• If you cannot brush, gently rinse your mouth with mouthwash after every meal to remove some food debris
• Drink plenty of water, especially after meals, to additionally cleanse the mouth
• Limit your sweets and eat a balanced, nutritional diet
• Notify your dentist of any changes in your oral health throughout your pregnancy

Pregnancy has no shortage of changes and its fair share of difficulties, and it’s natural to have lots of questions at this time. However, with the right approach, you can make sure to stay on top of all your oral hygiene needs and keep both you and the baby perfectly safe.

Already Have a Little One That Needs Some Dental Care? We Can Help!

Willow Pediatric Dentistry is at your service to make sure your child’s teeth are strong and healthy. Our professional services delivered with a compassionate touch by a Rancho Santa Margarita pediatric dentist prove there is no reason for anyone to be afraid of the dentist!

Ready to stop by? Then please book an appointment with Dr. Sam Alzayat, or call our practice at (949) 966-0669 to find out more about our dental services and how we can help your child’s dental health!