Brushing for Two: Oral Health & Pregnancy

There are many different and sometimes crazy ways pregnancy changes your body. Your body and lifestyle can also affect your pregnancy. Some moms don’t realize that there is a very real connection between oral health and their pregnancy. While we’re sure you’re juggling a lot during this exciting and exhausting time, we encourage you to make a special effort to stay on top of your dental health. Here’s why:

Pregnancy Gingivitis

It’s no secret that during pregnancy, your hormones are in flux. The thing is, when your hormones change it can also change the way your mouth fights bacteria. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, which can present itself as swollen and bleeding gums. According to the CDC, nearly 60 to 75% of pregnant women have gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease.

On top of what gum disease means for your oral health, some scientific studies have shown that gum disease may also be connected to an increased risk of developing preeclampsia or having a premature birth. It’s crucial to keep up with visits to your dentist so they can help you avoid developing pregnancy gingivitis or give you the proper treatments if you currently have it.

Enamel Erosion

Many pregnant women suffer from uncomfortable nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux. If your mouth is consistently at a low pH due to the presence of stomach acid, your tooth enamel can become severely damaged. To help neutralize any acid, rinse your mouth with a mixture of 1 teaspoon baking soda and 8 ounces of water.

We Would Love to Be Your Child’s Dentist!

We provide comprehensive pediatric dental services at Brooks Pediatric Dentistry. So when it comes time to bring your little one in for their first dental appointment, we would be delighted to see them!

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Categorised in: Gum Health