How Does Pregnancy Affect Oral Health

What You Should Watch Out For

Pregnancy is usually a beautiful time in a woman’s life but as any woman with children will tell you, pregnancy has a profound effect on their entire body. While we mostly associate this with changes to a woman’s weight, swelling, their skin, mood, and even their hair, it can also have a profound effect on their oral health. There are a number of things pregnant women should look out for when it comes to their oral health, including enamel erosion, pregnancy gingivitis, and dry mouth. Being aware and properly working through these conditions can help keep oral health in tip top shape when pregnant.

Enamel Erosion During Pregnancy

Women who experience morning sickness during their pregnancy will often have to worry about enamel erosion due to the vomiting. Vomiting frequently can very quickly lead to enamel erosion – those who are experiencing morning sickness should not brush their teeth immediately after getting sick. Vomit contains fluids that are extremely acidic which can leave the teeth’s enamel susceptible to damage even from something as simple as brushing the teeth, so it is more beneficial to rinse the mouth out with water immediately after vomiting and wait to brush the teeth until 20 or 30 minutes later.

What is Pregnancy Gingivitis?

During pregnancy, women experience an increase in the hormone progesterone, which could encourage the growth of bacteria in the mouth such as the ones that cause gingivitis. Generally, women who are at about their second month of pregnancy will start to see symptoms of this condition such as swollen gums, gums that are more red than normal, and gums that bleed more easily during brushing. While women will need to deal with this issue during pregnancy, the symptoms and condition will generally begin to subside and stop completely once the baby has been born.

Dry Mouth During Pregnancy

Many pregnant women have also reported having dry mouth – should this happen, it is important to drink plenty of water. Drinking water can help to flush away any bacteria that may have formed in the mouth that salvia would typically take care of. Since the mouth is not producing a normal amount of saliva, drinking water can help prevent the bacteria from causing cavities and tooth decay in the mouth. Overall, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene during pregnancy to help prevent any of these issues from causing permanent damage. Make sure to brush twice daily, floss, and use mouthwash.

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