Most common dental issues in pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the happiest times in every woman’s life. There are so many reasons to stay smiling during that joyous time, so don’t let pesky dental issues take that smile off your face. Hormonal changes and sharing nutrients with your tiny tenant can cause all sorts of unpleasant and even downright painful dental issues, but getting to know them is a great first step toward prevention and treatment.
Gum Disease
Gum disease or gingivitis is one of the most common oral problems for all adults. However, it’s even more prominent in pregnant women due to many and sudden hormonal changes. Gum disease in its early stage is very easily treated, but if it’s not properly addressed, it can cause various serious health conditions. Gum disease can trigger heart attacks and strokes and even cause premature birth. However, your dentist will know just what to do if you notice any gum issues and you will get the proper treatment.
Soft tissue cysts
This is quite a common issue in pregnancy that usually leaves future mothers very scared. Soft tissue cysts can look and feel very frightening, but there’s almost never a reason to panic or stress about them. The cysts can be small or quite large, but as long as they are not cancerous, don’t cause pain and don’t prevent you from speaking and chewing, they can stay until the baby is born. Most commonly they disappear after the delivery, but if they do remain for some reason, it’s safer to remove them after the childbirth.
Tooth decay
The hormone boost mixed with common morning sickness can affect the quality of teeth and cause cavities and dental erosion. So, make sure to brush your teeth after vomiting to prevent acid damage and rinse your mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash (Listerine Zero and Colgate Plax are very popular in Australia). If you experience pain stemming from the root canal, don’t hesitate to visit your dentist. Most specialists recommend doing corrective work in your second trimester during which you’re the most stable. Luckily, there are many dentists who can treat your root canal in Sydney and allow you to keep your tooth. This is always a much better option that extraction because your natural teeth feel and perform better than implants. And, don’t be scared of dental x-rays. The radiation is too low to hurt your baby, but you will still get protective shielding.
Dry mouth
Another oral issue that often develops in pregnancy is mouth dryness. Thanks to hormonal changes, saliva production is limited, which results in quite an unpleasant mouth feel. But, there’s another reason why mouth dryness should be addressed. Saliva can neutralise acidic plaque, so women who produce smaller amounts of saliva are at increased risk of tooth decay. In order to put a stop to mouth dryness, drink healthy amounts of water and have a sugar-free candy at hand.
Loose teeth
Progesterone and estrogen level boost that women experience during pregnancy can affect both tissues and bones that hold teeth. This degeneration of the oral cavity can cause teeth to become loose and sensitive, even if you have absolutely no underlying conditions like gum disease. If you notice any teeth looseness, make sure to turn to your dentist for advice.
Dental sensitivity
All of the oral and dental issues above (gum disease, mouth dryness, teeth erosion) can boost teeth sensitivity when exposed to overly hot and cold drinks and foods. Your dentist can find a cause of this sensitivity, but can also prescribe a desensitising gel or topical treatments to apply daily in order to reduce unpleasant dental sensitivity.
Don’t let dental issues leave your pregnancy in bad memory. Make sure to take good care of your teeth during pregnancy, visit your dentist regularly and you’ll be one happy future mother with a huge grin on her face!
