You must take proper care of your gums and teeth when pregnant. Pregnancy involves hormonal changes that increase the likelihood of developing gum disease, which can have an impact on the health of your growing baby.
As you prepare for a new baby, you will have a lot on your mind, but now is not the time to ignore your teeth and gums. Hormone fluctuations raise your chances of oral health problems such as gum disease and others. While you wait for your baby, learn about these elements of pregnancy and oral health. Consult an Ankeny Iowa dentist for more.
Pregnancy Gingivitis
Those hormones coursing through your body contribute to the ideal setting for a baby’s development. They can, however, affect your mood, bladder, and those continuous desires for peanut butter and pickles. Unfortunately, pregnant hormones can induce pregnancy gingivitis, in which your gums expand and bleed. If you notice your gums bleeding more frequently during pregnancy, make an appointment with your dentist right away. They may advise more regular expert cleanings till the baby arrives.
Keep up the fine effort at home. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid hurting your gums. Also, remember to floss or use another interdental device to clean your teeth on a daily basis. Swelling makes it simpler for food to become caught in difficult-to-reach spots.
Pregnancy tumors
Pregnancy tumors on the gums are a less prevalent side effect of hormonal changes. Do not be alarmed by the moniker; pregnant tumors are not cancerous. These growths, which resemble little raspberries that sprout between the teeth, most commonly emerge during the second trimester. They normally go away after the baby is delivered, but if they are bothering you or growing in size, your dentist may advise you to get them removed. Maintaining your dental health throughout pregnancy, especially frequent brushing and cleaning between your teeth, can help avoid pregnancy tumors.
Morning sickness and your teeth
During the first trimester, many pregnant women have morning sickness. If you feel ill frequently, the acid in your stomach may lead to tooth erosion. Furthermore, if you develop heartburn or acid reflux later in your pregnancy, stomach acid can have the same impact on your teeth.
Although it may be tempting to clean your teeth right after an episode of morning sickness, you may protect your enamel by swishing with baking soda and water instead. Baking soda is basic, which means it helps neutralize gastric acid. Mix roughly a teaspoon of it into a cup of water, then rinse your mouth with it before brushing.
Consulting your dentist
Remember to include your dentist in your pregnancy appointment schedule! Your dental specialists can help you keep your mouth (and your baby) healthy throughout pregnancy. Inform your dentist that you are pregnant so that any treatment plans, such as deferring certain operations until after your baby is delivered, can be adjusted. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the second trimester is frequently the best time for minor dental care, such as filling a cavity if necessary.
