Due to changes in hormones, pregnant women might be more susceptible to oral health conditions, like gingivitis, tooth decay, and pregnancy tumors.
Pregnancy gingivitis affects nearly 40% of pregnant women and looks like:
- Red and swollen gums
- Sensitivity of gums and teeth
- Bleeding after brushing or flossing
Gingivitis is early-stage gum disease, and without proper care, it can lead to more serious conditions like periodontitis. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection that attacks the tissue and bones supporting the teeth and, though the connection is unclear, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes like low birth weight and preterm births. With a little extra care in your oral health routine, you can keep pregnancy gingivitis at bay. Recommendations include:
- Spending more time brushing, focusing on the gum line
- Using an antimicrobial mouthwash after brushing
Pregnant women might also be more susceptible to tooth decay, especially if they suffer from nausea or morning sickness. The acidity of vomit can weaken tooth enamel, so it’s important to rinse your mouth before brushing to make sure the acid is gone. It’s best to wait 30 minutes after rinsing before brushing your teeth, so that acid isn’t pushed further into the teeth and gums.
Another effect of pregnancy hormones on oral health is pregnancy tumors. They affect about five percent of pregnant women and are completely benign, but can cause discomfort. Symptoms include:
- Small, berry-colored lumps at the gum line or between teeth, between .5 and 2.5 centimeters in size
- Sometimes painful
Though these tumors go away on their own, and are not cancerous or harmful, they might be painful and can be removed, typically with a laser or cryosurgery.
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Due to changes in hormones, pregnant women might be more susceptible to oral health conditions, like gingivitis, tooth decay, and pregnancy tumors.
Pregnancy gingivitis affects nearly 40% of pregnant women and looks like:
- Red and swollen gums
- Sensitivity of gums and teeth
- Bleeding after brushing or flossing
Gingivitis is early-stage gum disease, and without proper care, it can lead to more serious conditions like periodontitis. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection that attacks the tissue and bones supporting the teeth and, though the connection is unclear, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes like low birth weight and preterm births. With a little extra care in your oral health routine, you can keep pregnancy gingivitis at bay. Recommendations include:
- Spending more time brushing, focusing on the gum line
- Using an antimicrobial mouthwash after brushing
Pregnant women might also be more susceptible to tooth decay, especially if they suffer from nausea or morning sickness. The acidity of vomit can weaken tooth enamel, so it’s important to rinse your mouth before brushing to make sure the acid is gone. It’s best to wait 30 minutes after rinsing before brushing your teeth, so that acid isn’t pushed further into the teeth and gums.
Another effect of pregnancy hormones on oral health is pregnancy tumors. They affect about five percent of pregnant women and are completely benign, but can cause discomfort. Symptoms include:
- Small, berry-colored lumps at the gum line or between teeth, between .5 and 2.5 centimeters in size
- Sometimes painful
Though these tumors go away on their own, and are not cancerous or harmful, they might be painful and can be removed, typically with a laser or cryosurgery.
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Due to changes in hormones, pregnant women might be more susceptible to oral health conditions, like gingivitis, tooth decay, and pregnancy tumors.
Pregnancy gingivitis affects nearly 40% of pregnant women and looks like:
- Red and swollen gums
- Sensitivity of gums and teeth
- Bleeding after brushing or flossing
Gingivitis is early-stage gum disease, and without proper care, it can lead to more serious conditions like periodontitis. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection that attacks the tissue and bones supporting the teeth and, though the connection is unclear, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes like low birth weight and preterm births. With a little extra care in your oral health routine, you can keep pregnancy gingivitis at bay. Recommendations include:
- Spending more time brushing, focusing on the gum line
- Using an antimicrobial mouthwash after brushing
Pregnant women might also be more susceptible to tooth decay, especially if they suffer from nausea or morning sickness. The acidity of vomit can weaken tooth enamel, so it’s important to rinse your mouth before brushing to make sure the acid is gone. It’s best to wait 30 minutes after rinsing before brushing your teeth, so that acid isn’t pushed further into the teeth and gums.
Another effect of pregnancy hormones on oral health is pregnancy tumors. They affect about five percent of pregnant women and are completely benign, but can cause discomfort. Symptoms include:
- Small, berry-colored lumps at the gum line or between teeth, between .5 and 2.5 centimeters in size
- Sometimes painful
Though these tumors go away on their own, and are not cancerous or harmful, they might be painful and can be removed, typically with a laser or cryosurgery.
Oral Health
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Our bodies keep our bones strong by absorbing old bone cells and replacing them with newer and stronger bone material. Osteoporosis is a condition that occurs when we absorb more bone than we replace, resulting in weakened bones. Osteoporosis can affect any part of the body, including the jawbone, and […]
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If you experience high blood pressure, it’s vital that you discuss possible medications with your health care professionals, including your dentist. Some blood pressure medications cause the usual variety of side effects, such as drowsiness, upset stomach, or minor aches. But for some patients, particular blood pressure medications may produce […]