Pregnancy causes changes in the hormones which leads to oral health problems. Make sure to see a professional and take the necessary advice.
Causes of dental health problems
The common causes of dental health problems during pregnancy are:
- Morning sickness (vomiting)
- Intake of more sugary foods
- Gum problems, as the gum become softer during pregnancy due to hormonal changes
- Retching while brushing teeth.
Oral health problems in pregnant woman:
Common dental problems during pregnancy are:
- Pregnancy Gingivitis
- Tooth Decay
- Damage of Enamel
- Tooth mobility
- Gum problems
1. Pregnancy gingivitis:
Pregnancy gingivitis is the gum disease due to increase in the progesterone level. This leads to grow bacteria in the mouth that affects gums. During pregnancy gums become soft and sensitive to plaques.
Symptoms:
- Inflammation of gum tissue surround the teeth
- Gum bleeding during brushing
Prevention and treatment:
- Pregnancy gingivitis can be avoided by brushing with fluoride tooth paste
- Floss daily to remove plaques
- Scaling of teeth can treat pregnancy Gingivitis.
2. Tooth decay:
During pregnancy intake of food and liquids are more compared to normal and pregnancy woman are more likely to have sweets. This sugars gets breakdown into simple sugars and produces acids which destroy the tooth enamel. Hence tooth decay are commonly seen in pregnant woman.
Prevention:
- Avoid more intake of sugary foods
- Rinse the mouth with anti microbial mouth washes after meal
- Maintain good oral hygiene
3. Damage of enamel:
Damage to enamel may occur in pregnant women. Vomiting during pregnancy refluxes gastric juices into mouth. This dissolves the enamel. Damage of enamel leads to sensitivity problems. Sensitivity to cold and hot is seen in pregnancy woman.
Prevention:
- Rinse mouth thoroughly with baking soda solution after vomiting neutralizes the acid.
- Use desensitizing tooth paste which blocks the nerves to send impulses to brain.
4. Tooth mobility:
During pregnancy, loosening of teeth takes place. This is due to the decrease in the ligament and bone support to teeth.
5. Gum problems:
If pregnancy gingivitis is not treated and on time leads to periodontal diseases. The plaque becomes attached to the surface of the teeth and releases acids. These acids destroy the enamel and loss of gums and root takes place.
Prevention:
- Do not brush immediately after vomiting. It scratches the teeth.
- Brush your teeth with soft bristle tooth brush
- Rinse mouth with anti microbial mouth washes.
To avoid these problems during pregnancy, good oral hygiene must be maintained. Increase your calcium intake which strengthen your teeth and increase intake of vitamin D which improves the absorption of calcium.
