Our dentist, Dr. Trey Morrow, strongly encourage you to clean and care for your teeth, gums and smile regularly while pregnant. Even if you do a decent job of caring for your oral health, you need to make it a very top priority. If you fail to keep your smile in tip-top shape, you can suffer the consequences. In fact, pregnancy can affect your oral health by:
– Causing enamel erosion: If you suffer from morning sickness, the acid in your vomit affects the teeth by wearing down and eroding the tooth enamel. This can make the teeth susceptible to cavities and tooth cracks. It’s best to rinse your mouth with water after each time you throw up and wait 30 minutes to brush. Brushing immediately can help the acid further erode the enamel.
– Causing pregnancy gingivitis: Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and it involves red, swollen and tender gums that bleed easily, like when you brush and floss. It’s important to treat your gingivitis immediately so the disease doesn’t progress to the later stages. You can treat it by receiving a professional dental cleaning.
– Causing loose teeth: According to the Mayo Clinic, estrogen and progesterone can loosen the ligaments and bones that hold your teeth in place. This, in turn, can cause loose teeth. If this is a problem for you, it’s best to discuss it with your dentist. Fortunately, this issue oftentimes disappears after your pregnancy.
In order to keep your teeth, gums and oral health in tip-top shape, you need to remember to brush twice a day (with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste), floss daily (with a tool that’s easy to use) and attend your dental checkups every six months. Make sure you tell our dental team you’re pregnant when you visit our office.
For more information and details about pregnancy and oral health in Greenville, South Carolina, please contact our dental team at your earliest convenience. All you need to do is reach out to Pelham Oaks Dentistry at 864-234-7023 and we will be more than happy to help you. We look forward to your phone call!