6 Dental Issues You May Face During Pregnancy

6 Dental Issues You May Face During Pregnancy

Pregnancy has a big impact on all aspects of a woman’s health, including her oral health. Taking care of their mouth is the least of many expecting mothers’ concerns, but we at Lanier Valley Dentistry place great importance on good oral hygiene during pregnancy.

DENTAL ISSUES OF PREGNANT WOMEN

Pregnant women may complain of a variety of dental issues during pregnancy:

GINGIVITIS

The hormonal changes in your body during pregnancy can make your gums swell and prone to bleeding. This is known as pregnancy gingivitis. Additionally, you crave strange foods and your immune system is rocky. This can further increase the risk of bacterial attack. To minimize this issue, visit us for more frequent dental cleanings and take special care to brush and floss your teeth every day.

TOOTH EROSION

Women experience frequent morning sickness in their first trimester. The acid in the vomit can dissolve the enamel in the back of your front teeth. So it is important not to brush your teeth immediately after you throw up as it can hasten the enamel erosion process. If you vomit frequently, ask us how to reduce chances of enamel erosion.

DRY MOUTH

Many women suffer from dry mouth during pregnancy. You can reduce chances of this by keeping yourself hydrated and chewing on sugarless gum to promote saliva production. Gum containing xylitol can also reduce harmful cavity-causing bacteria.

EXCESSIVE SALIVA

In less common cases, pregnant women may experience too much saliva production in their mouths. This condition may occur during the very first months of pregnancy and may disappear by itself after the first trimester.

PREGNANCY TUMORS

Don’t let the name scare you. Pregnancy tumors are benign raspberry-like growth that forms between your front teeth. You may get them removed by us if they cause you discomfort, but in many cases, the rash will go away once the baby is born. During pregnancy, the second trimester is the best time to receive your routine dental care. Let us know immediately if you are pregnant so that we can adjust the doses of medication, if necessary. Usually, we will avoid major reconstructions and surgeries until after the baby is born. Contrary to popular belief, oral health care is just as necessary during pregnancy as other health care. If you have concerns about the health of your mouth, schedule an appointment with Colin Lentz, DDS and Heather Ramsey, DDS by call us today.

678-649-5401