Pregnant women

When you’re expecting.

Although you will have a whole host of things to think about while you are pregnant, try not to neglect your oral health as hormonal changes at this time can have an impact on your teeth and gums.

Gums can become swollen and inflamed, and may bleed when teeth are brushed. This is known as ‘pregnancy gingivitis’ and can occur as early as the second month of pregnancy. The level of the hormone progesterone can be ten times higher during pregnancy, which can affect how the body reacts to the bacteria in plaque. This makes pregnant women more susceptible to developing gum disease.

Other conditions during pregnancy include:

• Pregnancy granuloma, which causes red nodules to form on the upper gums and can be uncomfortable.
• Severe morning sickness, which can lead to tooth erosion due to repeated exposure to acid.
• Dry mouth – however this can help and be addressed by drinking adequate water and encouraging saliva flow by sucking sugar-free sweets.

If you are pregnant, we recommend you see us for a check-up so we can ensure you maintain healthy teeth and gums.