When you are pregnant, you worry about everything – your child’s health, your health, your weight, your skin, and many other things. The last thing you probably think of is your oral health. Well, you should know that you should never neglect your gums and teeth during your pregnancy.
There are special oral health concerns that pregnant women should watch out for. Read on to find out about them and what you can do to avoid or address them.
Pregnancy Gingivitis
Many pregnant women changes in their gums – they look redder, swollen, tender, and sometimes they even bleed. They can start at around the second month and peak at the eighth month. Pregnancy gingivitis usually tapers off after the child is born.
While thy symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis are similar to those of gingivitis, the causes are different. Some of the factors include increased levels of hormones and your immune system working differently. To minimize or avoid pregnancy gingivitis, you should always practice good oral hygiene. You should also have professional cleaning done by your dentist.
Tooth Erosion
Pregnant women, especially those who suffer from severe morning sickness, are more prone to tooth erosion. If you frequently vomit, you should contact Pickering Square Dental at once to get more information on how you can prevent enamel erosion.
If there’s one thing you should remember, it is to not brush right away after you vomit because the acid in your mouth will only erode your teeth further while you’re brushing. It’s better to swish with a mixture of baking soda and water to reduce the acid level in your mouth.
Pregnancy Granuloma
It is a growth on the gums that 2% to 10% of pregnant women get usually around the second trimester. Pregnancy granulomas are red nodules that are usually found near the upper gum line. They may cause discomfort but they are not really dangerous.
The cause of pregnancy granulomas is still unknown, but poor oral hygiene is a suspected factor, as well as hormones, malformed blood vessels, trauma, and viruses. Women who get these growths often have pregnancy gingivitis, too.
Eating a well-balanced diet rich in calcium, protein, and vitamins A, C, and D is important if you want to achieve good oral health while you’re pregnant. Of course, you should not neglect your oral hygiene routine and make sure that you go to your dental appointments!
For any dental emergencies, or if you want to know which dental procedures are safe for you during your pregnancy, reach out to Pickering Square Dental! We’ll be more than happy to answer your questions!