There are likely to be many things on your mind when you become pregnant—with oral health probably being the least of your worries. But the truth is, maintaining proper oral hygiene during pregnancy is vital for both you and your baby’s well being. Here are the different ways in which pregnancy could affect your oral health if you’re not careful.
Dry mouth
A rather common experience amongst pregnant women is dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable and lead to bad breath. Hence, it’s necessary to keep hydrated as much as possible and increase saliva production by sucking on sugar-free hard candy or gum.
Pregnancy gingivitis
When it comes to pregnancy gingivitis, you’ll notice redder, tender or swollen gums that may bleed—particularly during brushing or flossing between the teeth. Often developing between the 2nd to 8th month, it is likely to peak during the third trimester and taper off once the baby is born.
It usually happens as a result of increased hormone levels that enhance the growth of certain gingivitis-causing bacteria. Moreover, with how differently your immune system works when you’re pregnant, your body responds poorly to both plaque and bacteria. Without treatment, pregnancy gingivitis could further develop into more serious gum disease.
Tooth erosion
If you’re one of the poor souls that experience severe morning sickness, then you need to pay attention to this point. Frequent vomiting can erode the enamel on the surface of the teeth.
Make sure not to brush right away—the stomach acid will further weaken the enamel as you brush. Instead, rinse with a mixture of baking soda and water or a mouth rinse before you do so.
Pregnancy granulomas
Otherwise known as pregnancy tumours, it occurs in about 2%-10% of pregnant women. Not actually cancerous in nature, pregnancy granulomas often appear as red nodules in the mouth—typically near the upper gum line.
The growths bleed rather easily and may form an ulcer or crust over at times. However, in spite of the discomfort, they don’t pose much of a risk to your health.
Loose teeth
Due to the high levels of hormones present in your body during pregnancy, the tissues and bones that keep your teeth in place may be adversely affected, thereby resulting in a loosening or falling out of your teeth.
Gum disease
By far the most critical one to know of on the list, periodontitis is a gum disease caused by an excessive build-up of bacteria. It has been linked to both premature birth and low birth rate in pregnant women.
If you’ve been recommended braces by a dentist or plan to undergo orthodontic treatment when you’re with child, that’s all the more reason for you to take great care with your oral health. If you’re curious about “How much do braces cost in Singapore?”, simply look it up online. As a useful tip, if you’d like something painless and discreet, go with Invisalign! Though it’s true that in Singapore, Invisalign braces cost more than the other braces—you’ll find the price worthwhile for its quality and function.