Expecting a new baby into your life can be an exciting and life-changing experience for many mothers and their families. If you’re looking forward to meeting your new child, then congratulations! We know that there’s a lot to take in when it comes to caring for your body during those nine months, and we’re here to tell you that one of the most neglected pieces of health that women often experience during their pregnancy is their teeth. That’s right – during pregnancy, many women commonly experience gum disease throughout their second and third trimester, which in cases of subsiding health problems can be life-threatening to both you and your child if your teeth and gums aren’t given the care they need.
Brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist is the most assured way to care for your teeth during this time, as many women often go through their pregnancies without their regular visits. Having a safe and healthy pregnancy is all about knowing the risks that come with insufficient care. Here we’ll inform you about some of those risks and tell you why we recommend you take good care of your teeth for you and your expecting child.
Why Pregnancy Can Be A Problem For Your Teeth
Your body is a fascinating mechanism filled with organic regulators always working to maintain your body’s health. Our immune systems work to shield us from disease, our cardiovascular system works to pump oxygenated blood to our cells, and our digestive systems work to break down nutrients from food to sustain our body’s needs. During pregnancy, our thyroids work overtime to produce hormones such as estrogen and testosterone to help sustain your baby’s life and maintain your own ability to grow and develop. However, the massive influx of hormones from becoming pregnant can also cause the tissues to become more inflamed, leading to gum disease within our mouths. As your body responds to these intense hormone spikes, the gum tissues and ligaments become loose, making your mouth more prone to dental problems that include:
- Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease often develops from gum disease and is considered its advanced form. Having periodontal disease can heighten the risk of spreading bacteria into your bloodstream, which can ultimately harm your baby’s development. It’s essential during this time that you see a dentist to help determine your child’s birthdate so you can get the right treatment.
- Enamel Breakdown: If you’ve been suffering from nausea and vomiting, then know that those strong acids from your stomach can damage not only your esophagus but also your teeth. These acids have the ability to break down your teeth faster and increase the risk of tooth decay. Rinsing out your mouth and waiting 30 minutes before brushing can help keep your teeth clean from the effects of morning sickness.
- Cavities: Cavities and severe tooth decay can often accompany women who are pregnant, as the combined effects of periodontal disease and poor enamel can lead to an increase in bacteria growth. Vitamin deficiencies during this time, such as lacking vitamin D and calcium, can wear down your teeth greatly. Choosing the right foods and getting the supplements you need will be able to help solve this issue.
Make Sure To Schedule Your Appointment!
All of these risks can become detrimental to your child’s growth, as having dental problems during pregnancy can increase the risk of preeclampsia during delivery, premature births, and even those children having cavities when they get older. Visiting your dentist will be able to help resolve many of these issues and give you healthier, happier teeth in the process. Arrange an appointment with your general or pediatric dentist today for a healthy pregnancy.
