We’ve all heard that old saying «You will lose a tooth for every child! ». Well pregnancy is actually the time to take extra special care of your teeth and gums, but as long as you take care of them properly and eat well balanced diet, there’s no reason you should lose any teeth!
During pregnancy, increased hormone levels can make your teeth and gums extra sensitive to bacteria, which could increase your risk of developing certain dental infections such as:
Pregnancy gingivitis: this is the most common dental concern that affects almost 50% of all pregnant women. It causes your gums to become red, puffy, and inflamed, and can also trigger bleeding gums when you are brushing or flossing.
Periodontal disease: this is the gingivitis itself but when left untreated. This disease is basically a severe gum infection that destroys the bones and fibers that help to keep your teeth in place. It causes bleeding from gums, tooth loss and infection.
What to do to prevent such teeth and gums problems?
Keep your teeth and gums clean; brush after every meal for at least 5 minutes at a time, and floss daily.
Use a soft brush and brush your teeth gently. If your gums are very sensitive, use toothpaste for sensitive gums and if your gums hurt after brushing try to apply ice to soothe the pain.
If you have sweet food cravings during pregnancy, make some healthy choices like fruits, and avoid candy, cookies, cake and soft drinks that contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.
Contact your dentist immediately if your gums bleed a lot or are painful, if you have bad breath that doesn’t go away, if you have lump in your mouth or if you have pain in a tooth.
Take good care of your teeth and gums to keep your pregnancy a wonderful time filled with joy and excitement, far from being frustrated due to unpleasant dental problems!