Pregnancy and oral health
Maintaining good oral health during pregnancy is very important as hormonal changes can increase the risk of gum disease, decay and other dental issues.
Pregnancy causes hormonal changes in oestrogen and progesterone which can increase inflammation in the mouth, making you more susceptible to pregnancy gingivitis.
Signs of pregnancy gingivitis is when your gums become swollen, red and tender and/or they may bleed when you brush your teeth or floss. This should subside after the baby is born.
Morning sickness and heartburn generate stomach acid which can increase the risk of enamel erosion and cavities.
Most dental treatments are safe throughout pregnancy. Attending regular check ups enables the dentist to detect issues before they worsen. Dental radiographs are usually postponed until after the baby is born, unless absolutely necessary, amalgam fillings would be substituted for composite fillings and a certain type of local anaesthetic would be used during pregnancy.
To maintain a healthy mouth during pregnancy, it is important to do the following:
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Use an interdental gadget such as floss or TePes between the teeth as any remaining plaque can lead to a heightened response from the gums and cause more inflammation.
If vomiting occurs, immediately after, rinse your mouth with an alcohol free mouthwash to neutralise the stomach acid instead of brushing the teeth as you are essentially brushing the acid into the teeth.
Maintain a balanced diet rich is calcium and snacks in between meals to be sugar free.
Stay hydrated to reduce a dry mouth and ensure saliva production as this helps cleanse the teeth.
Visit your dentist every six months to keep an eye on your teeth and gum health.
Consider booking a hygienist appointment to remove any remaining plaque/calculus that will inflame the gums.
If you’re looking for a dentist near you in Essex, our Colchester dentists at Dental Smiles Flagstaff can help. We are located at 1 Flagstaff Rd, St John's Green, Colchester CO2 7SP. Contact us on info@dentalsmilesflagstaff.co.uk or 01206 803870
