Pregnancy and Your Dental Health

Your pregnancy to-do list is a long one! But don’t forget to leave a dental checkup off the list. Getting a dental checkup during your pregnancy is an important part of making sure that your teeth and gums are healthy. Because of the increase in progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy, you’re more at risk to develop certain dental problems.

Dental Health Concerns During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can sometimes create dental problems or make current conditions even worse. Below are a few of the dental concerns that go hand-in-hand with pregnancy:

• Pregnancy Gingivitis – This condition is so common that it has its own name. Your gum tissue is especially vulnerable to the changes in your hormones during pregnancy. This makes your gums more susceptible to pregnancy gingivitis, a condition that causes inflammation, swelling, bleeding, and tenderness of the gum tissue. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to a much more serious form of gum disease known as periodontitis. If you’re experiencing gum problems, please let your dentist know as quickly as possible.
• Tooth Decay – Pregnancy can be a difficult time to keep up with your oral hygiene routine. This is due to exhaustion, a more sensitive gag reflex, tender gums, and morning sickness. However, the hormonal changes taking place in your body make it all the more important to keep up with your dental health. Otherwise, you’ll be vulnerable to tooth decay and dental cavities.
• Pregnancy Tumors – Lastly, some women experience pregnancy tumors, which are overgrowths of tissue appearing on the gum tissue. This problem most likely occurs in the second trimester. These tumors are not cancerous, and may be related to excess plaque being allowed to accumulate around the gums. They will usually disappear after your baby is born, but please contact your dentist if your pregnancy tumors are causing you concern or discomfort.

The very best way for you to keep your teeth and gums healthy during your pregnancy is to practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and exam.

To make an appointment for your children to get a dental checkup, please contact Little Rockies Pediatric Dentistry here in Parker, Colorado.