How Pregnancy Affects Your Teeth

Pregnancy is a time full of physical transformations, for you and your baby. Needless to say, being pregnant also has an effect on your oral health. On top of that, your health is intimately tied to the health of your baby, so there’s even more reason to be aware of the ways in which pregnancy might change your teeth or gums. Here’s what you should know:

The Health of Your Gums

One of the main ways that pregnancy affects your dental health actually has to do with your gums, not your teeth. Due to the hormonal changes that happen during this time, it’s very common for pregnant women to experience swollen, sore, or bleeding gums. Sometimes people even refer to this situation as “pregnancy gingivitis.” If gingivitis is left untreated, it can then progress to the more serious form of periodontal disease.

Damage to Enamel

Morning sickness is common in pregnant women, and this too can affect your teeth. This is because when you regurgitate your food or drink, it can leave acid on your teeth. This acid can wear away at your enamel and leave you more vulnerable to cavities.

Loose Teeth

When you’re pregnant, it’s possible that the bones in your mouth temporarily loosen up. That, in turn, means that you might experience the loosening of your permanent teeth. We know that might sound a little bit scary, which is why it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on if this is occurring so you can consult your dentist.

Inform Your Dentist

If you’re pregnant, it’s important that you inform your dentist so they can help you maintain optimal oral health throughout your pregnancy. This may mean taking some extra steps to help you avoid gum disease, or treating any gum disease which may already be present.

Dental Solutions of Avon/Indy is here to support the many different smile needs of our community. If you’re pregnant and need some assistance taking care of your dental health, we welcome you to book an appointment at our Indianapolis office.