There are quite a few urban myths and half-truths about visiting the dentist when pregnant, but the truth is that dental care is especially important during pregnancy. Being pregnant affects your entire body and that goes for your mouth too.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect a woman’s teeth and gums and that’s why it is very important to see the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings while pregnant. An experienced dentist in Erskineville, such as Healthy Smile Centre, will give you tips on how to stay on top of your oral care during pregnancy.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect teeth in different ways. Below are a few of them:
Pregnancy gum inflammation
Sometimes increased levels of progesterone, a pregnancy hormone, can result in gum inflammation leading to sensitive, red and swollen gums. This may eventually cause bleeding during brushing and flossing. Luckily, symptoms of pregnancy gum inflammation usually disappear after birth, but it is important for the dentist in Erskineville to be able to monitor it.
Gum disease
A limited number of women experience a special kind of gum disease while pregnant, which can cause quite a few issues if left untreated. Gum disease occurs when bacteria enter the ligaments that hold the teeth in place and eventually start damaging them. Gum disease can also have a negative impact on the health of the baby, since it’s a red flag for premature birth and lower birth weights. The dentist can help eliminate the risk of gum disease with a thorough tooth cleaning.
Erosion of tooth enamel
Although not that common, vomiting caused by morning sickness can lead to the erosion of the enamel on the back side of the front teeth. This is more likely to happen with frequent vomiting over a prolonged period of time and can be prevented with regular dental check-ups.
In general, complex dental treatments during the first trimester and second half of the third trimester should be avoided as an extra protection. However, visiting the dentist in Erskineville regularly throughout every stage of the pregnancy is highly recommended for mothers-to-be in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums.