Most women know the toll that pregnancy takes on their bodies, but were you aware there are potential dental side effects to pregnancy?
An often overlooked side of being pregnant is the condition your teeth and gums will be in as your baby is growing, so what can you do about it? Pure Smiles wants to look at what you can expect and how to maintain your dental health during pregnancy.
Why Can Teeth Get Worse During Pregnancy?
Understanding why your teeth might worsen is the first step to doing something about it during pregnancy or postpartum. The reasons your teeth might be worse during pregnancy than beforehand can vary. Unfortunately, pregnant women have an increased chance of encountering oral problems like gingivitis.
Firstly, you are consuming more food now than before to support the growing fetus, meaning your mouth is encountering increased intake. This means more chewing and digestion is needed, taking slightly more of a toll on your teeth. No matter what we eat, the enamel on our teeth, which acts as a protective layer for the bone, can be jeopardised; therefore, increased intake will result in the enamel fighting off more than it usually would.
Consuming more sugar and acidic food will worsen your teeth, and you might be surprised at the sugar content of some of your favourite meals. You might feel like you need more energy when pregnant and eat food that contains more sugar, but you should be careful not to overdo it for the sake of your teeth and the health of your baby.
Your hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, are likely to fluctuate during pregnancy. High levels of these hormones can lead to loose teeth because the structural integrity of the bones has changed. Teeth that aren’t fixed in place properly might lead to more plaque buildup and gum disease, otherwise known as periodontitis; this problem needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
How to Protect Your Teeth During and After Pregnancy
The number of times you should visit the dentist should ideally increase during pregnancy because of the dental risks posed during this period. To maintain optimal oral health, book a dental appointment every three months to ensure your teeth and gums are in good condition.
Smoking, alcohol, and coffee should be removed from your life entirely during pregnancy – not just for the sake of your teeth, of course. However, your diet needs to be considered because there are many things that women can’t consume during pregnancy, but others should be limited so your teeth don’t worsen considerably. Always check the nutritional information listed on your food to remain safe.
You must maintain a high degree of oral hygiene during pregnancy to protect your teeth and gums as well as you can. Brushing twice daily, flossing, and using an alcohol-free mouthwash can rid your mouth of bacteria and prevent oral diseases.
