It’s important to practice proper oral hygiene each and every day, but oral health during pregnancy is even more important to avoid pregnancy gingivitis. With the added hormones that an expectant mother receives during pregnancy, she needs extra care when it comes to the health of the teeth. Periodontitis (gum disease) and gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease) can develop much easier during pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis that leads to periodontitis can also affect a developing baby and how they grow. The big kickers you have to watch out for are the higher risks for tooth decay, tooth loss, pregnancy tumors and more. All of these changes due to hormones are very manageable during pregnancy. We will take extra care of you during this time to keep your oral health in check.

Higher Risk for Gum Disease

Did you know that an expectant mother has a higher risk for developing gum disease? This is due to the many hormones that are pumping through an expectant mother. Mothers have to grow and develop a baby inside them, which involves many hormones. These hormones cause expectant mothers to have a higher volume of blood circulating in their body, especially in the mouth. Pregnancy hormones also increase the amount of acid you have in your mouth. Plaque forms in the mouth from the foods you eat. Plaque is a sticky substance that sticks to the teeth. When this plaque and bacteria in the mouth combine, they form an acidic substance that erodes the tooth enamel and irritates the gums.

Combat Pregnancy Gingivitis

Because of the increase of acidic plaque, you must brush and floss the teeth more often or you may notice the gums become red, inflamed and bleed easier. This is called pregnancy gingivitis, also known as the first stage of gum disease. This is the reversible stage that can be treated. When plaque continues to be left on the teeth, the gums will worsen and eventually recede from the teeth. This is advanced gum disease (known as periodontal disease or periodontitis). With severe periodontitis, the teeth will begin to fall out. The best way to avoid all of these problems is by brushing and flossing the teeth more often. Pregnancy gingivitis may be the only time you ever experience gingivitis. 

Oral Health During Pregnancy

You may start to notice some changes with your oral health during pregnancy. One change might be gums that bleed much more easily, especially when you floss. You might also have red, swollen or sore gums. This could be the start of gingivitis. According to the March of Dimes, high levels of the hormone progesterone can lead to gingivitis during pregnancy. Remember, this is the stage of gum disease that can be treated when proper oral hygiene practices are followed.

Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Your oral health really does affect the health of all parts of your body. Keeping your gums and teeth healthy during pregnancy can help keep your growing baby healthy as well. It can also help you avoid premature birth and low birth weight in your baby. Other changes to your oral health during pregnancy can include:

• Pregnancy Tumors – You may notice lumps that form on your gums, generally between the teeth. The good news? These tiny tumors are not cancer and can be removed by your dentist. Over time, these tumors can go away on their own as well.
• Tooth Decay – Your risk for cavities include with the rise of acid levels in your saliva during pregnancy. If you have morning sickness often, the acids in your mouth can erode your teeth more easily.
• Loose Teeth – Blame this on hormones once more. Loose teeth don’t happen with every expectant mother, but can happen for women who have high levels of progesterone and estrogen. These can affect the tissues and bones that keep your teeth sturdy.

Keeping Up On Your Oral Health

Keeping up with good oral hygiene habits during pregnancy is quite simple. If you are already following proper oral hygiene habits, you won’t have to change much during pregnancy. We recommend that expectant mothers visit the dentist more frequently than the two biannual cleaning and checkup appointments. This is so we can monitor symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis. For our diagnostic and preventive care we offer:

• Comprehensive Exams – We examine all the hard (teeth) and soft tissues of the mouth to ensure that oral health is in check.
• Digital X-Rays – X-rays are fantastic for finding the presence of cavities that are forming. We do not always use digital x-rays in our expectant mothers so that the baby is protected from the x-rays. You can request this service.
• Oral Cancer Screenings – Dr. Bockrath will look for signs of oral cancer which generally includes lumps or irregular tissue changes in the neck, head, face and oral cavity. Dr. Bockrath will also check the mouth for sores or discolored tissues.
• Oral Hygiene Care – If you are not following proper hygiene rules, we will make recommendations for your oral health care. To decrease your chances of tooth decay and gum disease even more, brush and floss as often as possible.
• Cleanings – Cleanings generally fall biannually for most patients. For expectant mothers, those cleanings are about 3 months apart. Our cleanings work to prevent excessive plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Questions During Pregnancy

If you have questions about your oral health during pregnancy, do not hesitate to reach out to us. At Mountain Aire Dentistry, we can answer all of your questions! Call our office today at (303) 731-7755!