How Does Pregnancy Impact Dental Health and Why Is It Important?

Pregnancy, while being an exciting journey, comes with challenges, and taking care of your dental health might not be a priority. But your dental health plays a bigger role during pregnancy than you might think. Hormonal changes can make your gums more sensitive, and conditions like gum disease could even affect your baby’s health. If you’re in Everett and expecting, keep reading to give your little one the best start possible.

Common Oral Health Issues During Pregnancy

• Here are some common oral health issues that pop up during pregnancy and what you can do about them.

Gum Problems (Gingivitis and Periodontitis)

• Did you know up to 75% of pregnant women deal with gingivitis? That’s when your gums get inflamed and swollen, and gums bleed when you brush. If left unchecked, it can turn into periodontitis, a more serious gum infection that can loosen teeth.

Hormones are partly to blame, making gums more sensitive and likely to bleed. Dry mouth and morning sickness can make it worse. Moreover, your immune system isn’t as strong during pregnancy, making it harder to fight off bacteria.

Cavities (Dental Caries)

• Pregnancy cravings are real, and they also raise the risk of cavities. The combination of a carb-heavy diet and pregnancy hormones can make tooth decay more likely. On top of that, pregnancy can mess with your saliva. A dry mouth from hormonal changes or acidity from morning sickness makes things worse.

Acid reflux or vomiting adds to the problem by creating an acidic environment in your mouth, which eats away at your teeth. To protect your teeth, brush and floss daily. And if a tooth starts to hurt or feel sensitive, don’t wait. Get it checked out before it gets worse.

Enamel Erosion

• Morning sickness is no joke. Throwing up frequently coats your teeth in stomach acid, which is rough on your enamel. Brushing right after vomiting can actually make things worse by rubbing the acid into your teeth. Instead, after getting sick, rinse your mouth with a mix of water and baking soda. This helps neutralize the acid. 

Wait about 30 minutes before brushing so your enamel isn’t as vulnerable. Research shows that severe gum infections can affect your pregnancy, increasing the risk of preterm birth or low birth weight. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with dental cleanings and address gum issues early.

Simple Steps for Healthy Teeth During Pregnancy

• Here’s how to keep your teeth and gums in great shape:

Brush and Floss Daily

• Stick to brushing twice a day and flossing once. These simple habits remove food particles and bacteria that can cause cavities and gum issues.

Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods

• Your diet matters to both you and your baby. Eat plenty of calcium, fruits, and vegetables. Limit sugary snacks and save them for mealtimes to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Visit Icon Dental Center in Everett

• Regular dental checkups are a must. At Icon Dental Center, we focus on gentle care tailored for expecting moms. Cleanings remove plaque and tartar, and our expert team monitors your gums and teeth to catch issues early.

The Bottom Line

• Your teeth and gums need extra care during pregnancy. Dental visits during pregnancy are safe and necessary. Let your dentist in Everett know you’re pregnant and discuss any concerns. Early care prevents small issues from turning into big ones. Taking these steps ensures healthier teeth, gums, and smiles throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

Treat and reverse gum disease to improve your oral health today. Our experts at Icon Dental Center can help you determine the treatment needed to keep periodontal disease at bay. If you have questions or want to improve your gum health, contact us at 206-225-2882. Our clinics are located in Seattle and Everett.