Common dental problems during pregnancy

Pregnancy affects all of your body, including your teeth. Pregnancy can make it more likely that you’ll get gum disease or tooth decay.

Keep reading to find out the dental problems women often get during pregnancy and how to avoid them.

Dental problems you might experience during pregnancy

Pregnancy can cause a lot of changes in the body, including your teeth and gums. Two problems you might experience during pregnancy are gum inflammation and tooth decay.

Gum inflammation

One of the most common problems during pregnancy is gum inflammation, which is also called ‘gingivitis’. Gum inflammation usually causes red, swollen and bleeding gums. Pregnant women are more prone to gum inflammation because of the increase in blood flow during pregnancy.

Gum inflammation shouldn’t be ignored. If left untreated, it can cause an infection known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is more serious than gum inflammation. This condition affects the tissues that support teeth and hold them in place. It can eventually lead to teeth loss.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is another fairly common problem for women during pregnancy.

There are several reasons why pregnant women are more prone to tooth decay:

  • Saliva becomes more acidic during pregnancy, making the teeth more prone to decay
  • Some pregnant women find that brushing their teeth makes them gag, so they stop brushing their teeth as often
  • Pregnancy can cause cravings for sugary foods
  • Gastric reflux and vomiting (as in the case of morning sickness) can damage the enamel of your teeth

To avoid tooth decay, you should maintain a good oral hygiene routine (brushing and flossing) and visit your dentist regularly.

Is it safe to visit the dentist if I’m pregnant?

There are some who believe it’s dangerous to visit a dentist during pregnancy. But this is wrong – it’s not just safe to visit a dentist, it’s highly recommended. Everyone should visit the dentist regularly, especially pregnant women.

In fact, there is no better time to visit your dentist than when you are pregnant. Getting your teeth checked by your dentist can help you avoid tooth and gum disease and keep you and your baby safe.

However, do make sure you tell the dentist that you’re pregnant. This is because certain interventions and treatments are usually not given to pregnant women.

For example, fillings are usually postponed until after the pregnancy. Also, dental X-rays aren’t typically performed on pregnant women, even though most dental X-rays don’t affect the abdomen area.

For this reason, it’s a good idea to see a dentist before you get pregnant so you can get any fillings or x-rays you need.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is the time to pay extra care and attention to your oral health. This is because pregnancy increases your risk of dental problems, like tooth decay and gum disease.

If you’re pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, then book an appointment with a dentist. They can check the health of your teeth and gums and advise you on how to take care of yourself and your baby during pregnancy.

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