Pregnancy causes many important changes in the human body in order for a baby to grow and develop in a healthy manner. In many women, it may also cause changes that have a negative effect on your health, and this includes dental health. Pregnancy does increase the risk of dental issues. This article will explain how this happens.
For expecting mothers, understanding the link between periodontal health and pregnancy outcomes is crucial. Rockland Dental Specialists is here to help explain and break down what you should expect during pregnancy and how it might affect your dental health. We provide a comprehensive range of services, from emergency care to routine hygiene and advanced periodontics, ensuring the best possible oral health for our patients.
At Rockland Dental Specialists, our primary focus is on our patients’ safety, comfort, and satisfaction. Our team, including board-certified periodontists and endodontists, is dedicated to delivering personalized care with the latest technology. Our approach is always patient-centered, aiming to make every visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We are committed to offering the necessary care and information during this critical phase.
Morning Sickness
Many women suffer from morning sickness during pregnancy. This condition is characterized by frequent nausea and/or vomiting. When someone suffers from morning sickness, there is a constant influx of stomach acid into the mouth. Stomach acid is extremely acidic and erosive to tooth enamel.
Severe morning sickness can lead to severe erosion (chemical wearing away) of enamel. This not only places the teeth at a higher risk for cavities because the bacteria that cause cavities thrive in an acidic environment. It also makes the enamel thinner and weaker. Thin, weak enamel is more prone to cracking. It can also make the teeth more sensitive.
In cases of extreme sensitivity or a complete loss of enamel, dental treatment is necessary to cover and protect the affected teeth.
Hormone-Induced Gingivitis
Another problem that frequently occurs during pregnancy affects the gum tissues. Hormone-induced gingivitis can happen during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. The large hormone swings during pregnancy make the gums hyper-reactive to any type of irritation because they lead to an increase in blood flow to the gum tissues. This means that even the tiniest amount of dental plaque on the teeth can cause severe gingivitis. Often these gums, when they overreact, become very tender, swollen and bleed easily.
Increased Risk for TMJ Problems
Many women experience pain, clicking, popping or locking of their jaw joints during and just after pregnancy. This is probably due to changes in the ligaments and tendons of the joints throughout the body. Stretching of ligaments and tendons in the hips is necessary to accommodate and give birth to a growing baby.
However, stretching in the ligaments and tendons of the jaw joints can lead to problems with chewing and speaking. In general, these joint changes tend to be temporary. Women who suffer from TMJ problems before pregnancy are more likely to have linger sl problems after pregnancy.
Lack of Great Oral Hygiene
While our pregnant patients have little control over whether they experience morning sickness, severe gingivitis or TMJ problems, there is one oral health factor they can control: oral hygiene. There is an increased risk for poor oral hygiene for several reasons. Sadly, some of those reasons are related to those factors that we just listed: the ones that you CAN’T control.
Morning sickness causes some women to gag when attempting to brush and floss, or the flavor of toothpaste and mouthwash may make them nauseous. The tenderness and bleeding that accompanies hormone-induced gingivitis makes many people shy away from good brushing and flossing techniques. And some experience TMJ problems that can affect their ability to open their mouths for good brushing and flossing. We just want to point those out so that you know we do understand that great oral hygiene is more difficult during pregnancy.
We also know that sometimes during pregnancy, certain habits just take a backseat. Either you’re too tired or just forget to brush and floss at the end of a long day. When you don’t keep up with great plaque removal routines, you place yourself at a higher risk for cavities and gum disease. Hormone-induced gingivitis gets much worse when you don’t consistently remove plaque from the teeth.
How Does Pregnancy Affect Oral Health?
Pregnancy can profoundly impact several aspects of an individual’s health, including oral health. If you are pregnant, you may be more at risk for gingivitis, periodontitis, and other dental health-related issues. Pregnant individuals are much more likely to be at risk of these dental issues, in part due to the hormonal changes that are occurring within their bodies. In particular, an increase in estrogen and progesterone can increase the risk of developing periodontitis.
In many cases, failing to uphold oral health during pregnancy properly can negatively impact both the mother and the baby, including premature birth. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your oral health, you may also experience issues related to an exacerbated immune system response.
Symptoms of Periodontitis
If you are pregnant or hope to become pregnant soon, it may be beneficial to understand the symptoms of periodontitis. Recognizing symptoms early on can reduce the severity of any long-term issues in your dental health. The following are common symptoms indicating periodontitis:
- Tenderness in your gums
- Swollen gums
- Change in color of your gums, such as red or purple
- Gums pulling away from teeth
- Teeth loosening or falling out
- Bleeding gums
- Pain in your teeth or gums
- Teeth that are more sensitive to temperature than usual
When you contact Rockland Dental Specialists, we can help assess, diagnose, and treat periodontitis quickly. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need support.
What Can Expecting Mothers Do to Maintain Periodontal Health?
If you are concerned about maintaining your dental health to prevent the risks of periodontitis and other oral issues while you’re pregnant, we encourage you to utilize the following practices to reduce the risk of periodontitis:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes each session
- Use a fluoride toothpaste
- Switch to a soft- or medium-bristle toothbrush
- Floss or use interdental brushes at least once a day
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year
- Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you notice any symptoms of periodontitis or other dental issues of concern
- Eat a healthy diet
- Limit consumption of foods and drinks high in added sugars
We encourage you to contact your dentist if you have any questions about your dental health and how your pregnancy might impact it. A dental provider from Rockland Dental Specialists can also assist you, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns or want to schedule an appointment with us.
Treat Periodontitis and Protect Your Health During Pregnancy: Contact Rockland Dental Specialists Today
At Rockland Dental Specialists, we emphasize the importance of comprehensive periodontal care during pregnancy to ensure the healthiest outcome for you and your child. We understand the unique needs of pregnant women and offer specialized care tailored to safeguard your oral health in the best possible condition, minimizing risks associated with periodontal disease.
Don’t wait to prioritize your dental health until after your baby is born. Contact Rockland Dental Specialists today to schedule an appointment to maintain optimal periodontal health during your pregnancy. You can reach us at (845) 259-2500 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment or consultation. Let us be a part of your journey to a healthy pregnancy by prioritizing your periodontal care.
