A woman’s body goes through an enormous amount of change during pregnancy and requires some serious TLC. The Evesham Dental Health Team is advising mums-to-be from Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire to pay special attention to their gums.
The changes in hormones during pregnancy can cause women to suffer from sore, painful gums, mouth ulcers and gum disease, conditions that some may have also noticed at certain points in their menstrual cycle.
To help minimise any risks during pregnancy, our Evesham dentists and hygienists recommend regular tooth brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, interdental cleaning once daily and eating a balanced diet to help reduce any dental problems that can accompany pregnancy.
Regular visits to our Broadway Road dental practice are very important and allow us to keep a close eye on any developments in gum disease. Serious gum disease has been linked to problems with pregnancy and low birth-weight babies, so it is essential that it is closely monitored.
As if morning sickness wasn’t bad enough, it can also cause enamel erosion. When we are sick, the acid in our stomachs that helps break down our food comes into contact with our teeth, eroding the enamel. We recommend rinsing your mouth out with water or a fluoride mouthwash to wash the acid off your teeth and keep the acid levels under control. It is important not to brush right away after being sick, since the acid in your mouth will have made the surface softer.
Pregnancy gingivitis
The dental experts at Colgate have excellent information on pregnancy gingivitis that we have shared in this blog. Most women notice changes in their gums during pregnancy. Some women notice that their gums look redder and bleed when they brush their teeth, whilst others have severe swelling and bleeding.
All of these changes are referred to as pregnancy gingivitis and they can start as early as the second month. The condition tends to peak around the eighth month and often tapers off after the baby is born.
Pregnancy gingivitis is most common in the front of the mouth. The symptoms are the same as those for gingivitis, but some of the causes are different. Increased hormone levels may be partly responsible for pregnancy gingivitis.
During pregnancy, the level of progesterone in your body can be 10 times higher than normal. This may enhance growth of certain bacteria that cause gingivitis. Also, your immune system may work differently during pregnancy. This could change the way your body reacts to the bacteria that cause gingivitis.
To minimise the effects of pregnancy gingivitis, practice good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for at least two minutes each time. Clean between the teeth (Interdental cleaning). An antimicrobial mouth rinse may also help you control your gum inflammation.
Be sure to have your hygienist check the health of your gums while you are pregnant. Pregnancy gingivitis usually can be helped with professional cleaning and this can be done at any time during your pregnancy.
Dry mouth
During pregnancy, dry mouth can put women at a greater risk of problems such as tooth decay and infections. If you are suffering from a dry mouth, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated (this is also important if you are repeatedly being sick) and chew sugarless gum to enhance the production of saliva. We stock xylitol sugar-free chewing gum. Please ask at reception for more information.
If you have any concerns about the health of your mouth during pregnancy, please contact us for guidance. Our Evesham dentists will be only too happy to help.
