06 Oct Pregnancy and Oral Health
Unfortunately, pregnancy causes changes in the mouth. The changes may cause certain problems, like the gum disease gingivitis. Thankfully, however, these changes usually only persist through the pregnancy.
If you are pregnant, and are still practicing a good oral care routine, you are on the right track. You should be brushing your teeth twice every day. You should be brushing your teeth for two minutes or slightly more. Although don’t overdo it, because your gums will be more sensitive during pregnancy. Clean between your teeth with floss or interdental cleaners (during pregnancy, your gums may be overly tender and red, swollen, and bleed easily, and some cleaners may be better suited—less irritating to the gums—than floss).
Nearly half of all pregnant women develop gingivitis, which is a mild form of gum disease. Thankfully gingivitis is fairly easy for your dentist to treat. Now, there is an old adage that says that women may lose a tooth because of pregnancy, but this isn’t true (which makes it not an adage but a myth). It is true that during pregnancy certain hormones may loosen the ligaments and the connections points of the teeth and bones. Usually, this condition of loose teeth, or the feeling of loose teeth, will go away after the pregnancy. If you feel like teeth are moving, you should make an appointment with your dentist, and your dentist can determine if a course of treatment is necessary.
It may be very important to keep to up with necessary dental visits, during your pregnancy. Depending on how the pregnancy affects your oral health, it may also be important to come into the dentist office for cleanings, especially when suffering from gum disease. As long as there are no unusual issues in your pregnancy that may prevent you from visiting your dentist during your pregnancy, make sure to schedule an appointment if you notice any changes in the mouth. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Make sure that you mention to your dentist any special advice or medications prescribed to by your physician. Call today to schedule your appointment with Silvercreek Family Dentistry.
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