There’s nothing more exciting than waiting for your little one to arrive in the world. However, pregnancy can involve a lot of challenges. The hormone changes that come with pregnancy can have a significant impact on your body and health, including your oral health. Here’s some of the common ways pregnancy can affect your oral health.
Gum disease
Being pregnant increases the likelihood of developing gum diseases significantly. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 60 to 75% of pregnant women have gingivitis, an early-stage periodontal disease. Gingivitis is when gums are swollen, red and more prone to bleeding. To prevent this, dentists recommend flossing often—at least once a day—and using the right toothbrush and toothpaste.
Increased cavities
Because of hormones and changing eating habits, expecting mothers are more likely to develop cavities. If cavities in the expecting mother are untreated, the CDC states it is three times more likely for their children to have cavities at a young age. To prevent this, it is recommended that a rigorous dental hygiene routine is followed, along with regular visits to the dentist—at least once every 6 months.
Tooth decay and loose teeth
Expecting mothers are also more likely to experience loosened teeth due to hormone changes, or tooth decay due to morning sickness. It’s important to pay attention to any changes you see in your oral health during a pregnancy and consult a dentist for how to best take care of your mouth!
Make your appointments now, and consult one of our dentists to create a plan for your oral health and your child’s oral health! Call us at Call us at (573) 243-5200 or stop by Jackson Dental’s office at 3100 E Jackson Blvd., Jackson, Mo., to get your visit scheduled.