Welcoming a new life into the world causes many physical changes to your body. These changes also affect your teeth, gums and oral health. Learn how pregnancy affects your teeth and some of the most common pregnancy dental care concerns to watch out for from the pregnancy and dental care professionals at Barry P. Levin, DMD, PC. 

How Pregnancy Affects Your Teeth 

Excited expectant mothers may be unaware that being pregnant can increase your risk of oral health problems. Common dental concerns for pregnant mothers include higher instances of gum diseases, cavities, and enamel erosions. Ensuring a healthy pregnancy requires that you take good care of your body and your oral health. 

Hormonal Changes, Inflammation, and Pregnancy Gingivitis

Increasing hormonal changes can wreak havoc on your gums, which can become more sensitive during pregnancy, resulting in a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. This condition can cause swollen, red, bleeding, and painful gums that are especially noticeable while brushing and flossing your teeth during pregnancy. 

Pregnancy Can Increase Your Risk of Developing Cavities 

The waves of nausea that accompany many pregnancies can mean more than just physical discomfort and never-ending trips to the bathroom. Pregnant mothers suffering from extreme morning sickness also run the risk of developing cavities as bouts of morning sickness can expose teeth to high levels of stomach acid.

Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Health During Your Pregnancy 

While being pregnant can increase the physical health risks of expectant mothers, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy-related dental concerns. Use the following tips to maintain better oral health while pregnant. 

Brush and Floss Regularly

Pregnant mothers should take special care by brushing and flossing their teeth at least twice a day to remove leftover food debris and reduce the likelihood of developing plaque buildup on their teeth. 

Rinse Your Mouth Thoroughly After Bouts of Morning Sickness

Be sure to completely rinse your mouth after experiencing morning sickness to neutralize and remove teeth-eroding stomach acid which can lead to serious dental conditions if left to remain on your teeth. 

Eat a Balanced Diet to Maintain Better Oral Health While Pregnant

Pregnancy cravings often result in the consumption of sugary sweets that can lead to enamel erosion in excess. Take care to reduce the amount of sugary foods and snacks eaten during the course of your pregnancy to reduce the potential for developing gum disease, cavities, and irreversible enamel erosion which can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. 

Get Pregnancy Dental Care from a Trusted Local Professional 

Dental care should be a key part of your pregnancy routine to reduce instances of gum disease, swollen gums, and other common dental concerns that can arise during pregnancy. Getting regular dental checkups for pregnancy and dental care can help keep pregnant patients on track for good oral health care and a healthier delivery. 

Contact the pregnancy dental professionals at Barry P. Levin, DMD, PC to schedule your appointment today!