Risks to your teeth and gums, when pregnant

Our Burton based dentist takes a closer look

If you are pregnant, then congratulations; bringing a child into the world can be a joyous, if sometimes difficult, thing. Whilst some mums to be manage to sail through their pregnancy, others can struggle with issues such as back pain and morning sickness. Whether you sail by or struggle though, you should be aware that you are especially vulnerable to dental problems during your pregnancy.

For most patients of Mike Allen’s Dental Practice, a six monthly check up and a hygienist clean should be sufficient to help keep teeth and gums in good shape. During pregnancy, we may suggest that you attend these appointments more frequently.

Tooth decay

Many women experience strange cravings during pregnancy. Some of these are harmless and some even possibly healthy. Others, such as cravings for sweet foods, can inevitably cause problems for the health of your teeth. These cravings, along with additional sugar intake through ‘comfort foods’ can really play havoc with your teeth, especially if you neglect your cleaning regimen due to tiredness.

Please try to be aware of this, and to make that extra bit of effort to clean your teeth well. We are always available should you be concerned that your teeth might be suffering due to the pregnancy. In addition to the above, if you are experiencing morning sickness on a regular basis, the acids in the vomit may be damaging the enamel of your teeth, so you should have this checked too.

Gum disease

Nearly half of all women who become pregnant will suffer from gum disease. Some of this may be avoidable with good cleaning, but pregnancy also causes hormonal changes, and especially a rise in the hormone progesterone. This can lead to an increase in harmful bacteria in your mouth, and with it, a bigger risk of gum disease. Whilst not all gum disease will be particularly serious, it can be uncomfortable, with sore and bleeding gums being very common. With all the other potential issues associated with being pregnant, it is better to make sure that this particular problem is not added to the list.

Where early symptoms of gum disease are ignored, periodontitis can occur. This is more serious and can lead to bone loss, causing loose or even lost teeth.

The good news is that, following the birth of the child, your hormone levels will gradually return to normal, and your gum health can then be maintained in the regular manner.

At Mike Allen’s Dental Practice, we believe in preventative dental care for the whole family, and that includes mums to be. If you are expecting a child and have not seen your dentist since becoming pregnant, why not call our experienced Burton dentists on 01283 845345 for an initial oral health check?