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Pregnancy, as we know affects the hormones in the body and leads to many changes. Some we’re expecting and others can come as a bit of a surprise. More often than not, we find that mums-to-be are aware of many physical changes (like the growing bump, morning sickness, energy levels and hair loss), but are not always aware of the impact our hormones may have on their dental health.
In fact, your entire system will be affected by changes in hormones. This includes your teeth, gums and mouth. Many women start noticing changes to their gum health within the later stages of the first trimester. The first sign is usually bleeding gums when you brush or floss – this is referred to as pregnancy gingivitis.
Tiny red bumps or lesions, called pregnancy tumours or pyogenic granulomas may pop up on your gums during pregnancy too. These are, more often than not, temporary. Many of our mums find they disappear after their baby is born.
We often say to our patients who are considering having a baby that their dental health can have an impact on the health of their teeth during future pregnancies. The healthier your teeth are before pregnancy, the less likely you will be to experience issues during pregnancy.
The good news is that a lot of the dental health issues caused by hormonal changes you may experience during your pregnancy are usually short term or temporary. It’s important to remember though, that these issues all need to be treated properly so they don’t become long term issues or lead to more serious dental health problems.
Being aware of the changes to your mouth, teeth and gums is essential during your pregnancy and knowing how to adapt, when to have treatment and how to prevent issues is a big part of a healthy pregnancy too.
Here are our top tips:
Don’t act on any craving – We understand that cravings can be overwhelming during your pregnancy. But, for the sake of your teeth and general health, try where possible to limit your intake of sugar and replace sweet treats for healthier options like fresh fruits and natural yoghurt.
Don’t brush your teeth straight after vomiting. Many of our patients experience that dreaded morning sickness. As tempted as you are to brush your teeth straight away, try and hold off for at least an hour afterwards. Brushing too soon can cause significant damage to your teeth by stripping away the enamel. Maybe try neutralising your mouth with some hard cheese or milk, or rinsing out your mouth with warm water and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda first.
Make your dentist part of your team, with your GP, midwives or obstetrician. Book in regular visits in the lead up to your pregnancy and make sure you include a visit during pregnancy as well as soon after baby is born.
You’ll find that many of your normal dental procedures are safe during pregnancy, but to be sure, always consult with your doctor and dentist before scheduling treatments in. Some treatments such as dental cleaning are safe only after the first trimester.
Above all, look after yourself well during your pregnancy and make sure you always look for the healthiest option – for you, your teeth and your bub!
