The human body goes through some incredible changes during pregnancy, but do any of those changes affect the health of your teeth? Absolutely! Here’s how to manage your dental and oral health while you’re pregnant.
The importance of oral care during pregnancy
Looking after the health of your teeth and gums is essential at all times, but any time you are going through a significant event like pregnancy, it’s worth considering how that could affect your oral health. While being pregnant doesn’t cause any damage to your teeth or mouth directly, it can prompt some issues due to lifestyle and body changes. Common issues that pregnant women may face include a higher risk of decay, dry mouth and gingivitis.
Making oral health a priority while you’re pregnant can be an important way of reducing discomfort and ensuring your overall health.
Common dental problems during pregnancy
The most directly related symptom is a condition called ‘pregnancy gingivitis’, which is gum inflammation that occurs due to hormonal changes. This increases the gums’ sensitivity to plaque, putting you at a higher risk of serious gum disease or tooth decay. Thankfully, this normally resolves itself after childbirth, though you still need to maintain your oral hygiene until then.
Even with committed cleaning and oral care, you might notice some changes during pregnancy. Common occurrences include an increase in tooth sensitivity and bleeding gums. It’s important to continue brushing gently and flossing daily to stay on top of these issues and prevent them from getting worse.
Because pregnancy often comes with a lot of nausea and morning sickness, you may also experience a lot of dry mouth. Make sure you sip water often to encourage regular saliva production, and rinse your mouth after any vomiting to keep your mouth clean of any acids. If you do have sickness, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid brushing acids into your enamel and weakening your teeth.
Safe treatments
We strongly recommend still visiting your dentist regularly while pregnant, and especially if you encounter any issues. Regular check-ups and cleans are still entirely safe and one of the best ways to maintain your oral health. It’s also good to complete dental work like fillings, root canals and other general treatments where necessary, and rest assured receiving a local anaesthetic is safe during pregnancy.
Treatments to avoid
There are some things we try not to do during pregnancy, particularly cosmetic treatments, like teeth whitening and veneers. It is generally better to postpone these kinds of treatments until after the birth, when hormones have settled and your enamel is considered more stable. X-rays are another treatment that we often try to avoid during pregnancy, though they can be completed with protective shielding if required.
Tips for at-home care
Keeping your mouth healthy during pregnancy doesn’t vary much from how you should be looking after it at all times. This includes brushing gently twice a day and flossing at least once daily. Staying regularly hydrated can also reduce dry mouth symptoms, while choosing tooth-friendly snacks like cheese, yoghurt, fruit and nuts can help prevent the development of plaque.
If you do want to book an appointment with us, the second trimester is typically the most comfortable time, because morning sickness tends to ease and it may be easier to spend time in the dental chair.
We are here for you through life’s big moments
With regular dental visits and good home care, taking care of your oral health during pregnancy is safe and simple. At Oakleigh Dental, our team are here to help you preserve your oral health, no matter what season of life you’re in. Get in touch or book an appointment, and we’ll help you keep smiling.
