Marco Island Dental Care | What Moms Should Know About Dental Care While Pregnant

July 27, 2021

Pregnancy nearly affects all aspect of a woman’s life and that includes her oral health. Taking care of your oral health while pregnant should be a top priority as changes in hormone levels increase the risk of oral health problems including pregnancy tumors and gum disease. For many women, morning sickness is a part of pregnancy that also brings up oral health concerns as the acid from your stomach can be strong enough to contribute to enamel erosion. It is very important to have your regular dental checkup and an overall Marco island dental care to make sure you have healthy teeth and gums while pregnant as it can greatly affect the baby as well.

Why Women Are at Higher Risk of ToothDecay During Pregnancy

The higher levels of progesterone and estrogen in a woman’s body help the baby grow but these hormones also weaken the bones and ligaments that anchor the teeth. Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase acid levels in the mother’s mouth, which can lead to tooth decay. In response to progesterone, the mother’s gums will also tend to swell and bleed, thus making them susceptible to infection. The mother’s hormones divert calcium away from her own bones towards her developing baby. This makes pregnant women have weaker bones and teeth, as they have lower levels of calcium in their system.

How to Look After Your Teeth During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, let your dentist know as dentists and doctors are careful in prescribing medicines to pregnant women. Good dental hygiene is more important during pregnancy. You should also:

Drink plenty of tap water
Avoid sugary foods and drinks
Maintain a healthy and balanced diet
Eat at least four servings of calcium-rich food

If you are dealing with morning sickness, don’t brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes after vomiting or reflux. This will give your tooth enamel time to recover from the acid attack.