Becoming a mother changes your life. From the moment you find out you are carrying a new life; old habits make room to new ones. And you also get new problems, thanks to the hormonal changes in your body. Dentists are used to hear the phrase “pregnancy ruined my teeth” a lot, from women who experienced tooth decay during or right after pregnancy. While pregnancy is a unique experience, there are some common problems faced by many pregnant women when it comes to their smile.
Pregnancy teeth are real
When you become pregnant your body changes in many ways. The blood flow is increased, the hormone level rises and the level of acid in your mouth also increases. In the first months of pregnancy you experience nausea and vomiting, which also affect your teeth. To make sure you avoid complications, you should see your dentist in the first months of pregnancy, as well as during the last months. They can check your teeth and spot any potential issues before they are severe.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is one of the most common dental problems during pregnancy. Your gums become swollen due to the increased level of progesterone. Your red and sore gums can easily bleed when you brush your teeth and even when you don’t. Gingivitis can lead to a more severe condition, so you need to check with your dentist and receive a treatment for it as soon as possible.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a more serious gum disease which can affect pregnant women. When left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. The swollen gums become infected, thus, unable to keep your teeth in place anymore.
Loose teeth
Loose teeth don’t show up only in periodontitis, but you can also suffer from this condition due to increased hormone levels. Progesterone and estrogen levels rise during pregnancy and they can cause inflammation in the gums and bones, causing them to loosen a bit.
Tooth Decay
Pregnant women are prone to tooth decay because they vomit a lot and some might even develop acid reflux. Both of these conditions lead to the presence of acid in your mouth, which attacks the teeth enamel, causing decay. You might also suffer from bad breath due to tooth decay and frequent vomiting.
Tooth loss
Tooth loss is one of the most common problem women fear when they are pregnant. Losing your teeth is the result of tooth decay, periodontitis and gum disease. However, it is not that common as you might think, especially if you take care of your teeth during pregnancy months.
Pregnancy tumors
Pregnancy tumors are a less common dental problem. They are not cancer, but benign growths on swollen gums. They show up between the teeth and can lead to bleeding. Pregnancy tumors are caused by plaque buildup and usually go away on their own after pregnancy. If the tumor doesn’t go away, you need to have it removed by surgery after childbirth.
Pregnancy does come with lots of body changes and some of them might not be pleasant, like loose tooth. Regular dental checkups and a proper dental hygiene is going to help you keep your smile in top shape during pregnancy, so don’t avoid the dentist during the nine months.
Awesome blog! Indeed very helpful! Thanks for sharing these 6 dental conditions you might develop during pregnancy.