High levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy can temporarily loosen the tissues and bones that keep your teeth in place. This can make your teeth loose. Periodontal disease (also called periodontitis or gum disease). If gingivitis is untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease.
Pregnancy Changes
The most common causes of sensitive teeth during pregnancy include: Hormones. According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), pregnancy hormones can actually affect the way your body responds to bacteria, which can lead to periodontal infection and – you guessed it – sore teeth and gums.
Pregnant mothers should go and see a dentist regularly, because if problems like swollen gums or tooth decay are ignored, then these things may be too late to remedy during months 4-6 of the pregnancy (when it is still safe for mothers to undergo dental health checks and receive dental treatment).
High levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy can temporarily loosen the tissues and bones that keep your teeth in place. This can make your teeth loose. Periodontal disease (also called periodontitis or gum disease). If gingivitis is untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease.
Acid erosion to the teeth from morning sickness and acid reflux. Morning sickness can also affect your teeth as the acid in the vomit has an erosive effect. An acidic oral environment is also ideal for plaque bacteria to thrive and proliferate, increasing the risk of tooth decay in addition to acid erosion.
Inform Your Dentist
Once you're actually pregnant, let your dentist know about it at your appointment. They'll let you know what dental care you should get done and what elective care can wait until later. They also might have special instructions or cautions for you.
As reported by HealthLine, pregnancy gingivitis can be one of the early symptoms of pregnancy, developing as early as 8 weeks. The reason for this, they explain, is that during pregnancy, progesterone levels are high, which can cause the development of bacterial plaque that can attack gums.
Increased blood flow: Your body goes into overdrive when it's necessary to support a growing baby. This causes increased blood flow, which can make your teeth sensitive to hot, cold, spicy, and sweet foods. You may experience this type of tooth sensitivity even if you never had prior to getting pregnant.
However, it's important that you tell your dentist you are pregnant before X-rays are done so the staff can provide a special garment or device to shield your pelvis and abdomen from exposure.
During pregnancy, women may be more prone to gum disease and cavities. Pregnant women are more likely to develop gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease that occurs when the gums become red and swollen from inflammation that may be aggravated by changing hormones during pregnancy.
Pregnancy gingivitis usually develops between the 2nd and 8th month of pregnancy, and its effects are the most pronounced during the third trimester.
Some women get swollen and sore gums, which may bleed, during pregnancy. Bleeding gums are caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your gums more vulnerable to plaque, leading to inflammation and bleeding. This is also called pregnancy gingivitis or gum disease.
Elective treatments, such as teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, should be postponed until after the birth. It is best to avoid this dental work while pregnant and avoid exposing the developing baby to any risks, even if they are minimal.
Dental Fillings During Pregnancy
However, if you do get a cavity while pregnant, getting it filled is perfectly safe. According to the American College of Obstetricians and the American Dental Association, getting a filling during pregnancy is entirely safe and recommended.
Pregnancy hormones can make some women be at risk of gum problems including: gingivitis (inflammation of the gum) – this is likely to occur during the second trimester. Symptoms include swelling of the gums and bleeding, mostly during brushing and when flossing between teeth.
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that causes redness, swelling and tenderness. It's common during pregnancy and usually goes away after delivery. You can manage and even prevent gingivitis with good oral hygiene and a routine dental visit while you are pregnant.
Pregnancy gingivitis is very similar to the gingivitis that occurs outside of pregnancy and can include a mild inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup, with red and sore gums that bleed when probed. If you have red, sensitive, or swollen gums during pregnancy, you're not alone.
Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include: Swollen or puffy gums. Dusky red or dark red gums. Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss.
Though gingivitis can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, making them loose and exposing them to damaging bacteria, the effects of pregnancy gingivitis do not last long enough to be permanent. After pregnancy when hormone levels return to normal, the effects of pregnancy gingivitis go away.
Use an anti-gingivitis toothpaste.
Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean, helps reverse early signs of gum damage by neutralizing the plaque bacteria build up around your gum line. Ask your dentist if they think you should start using it before, during and after pregnancy to maintain overall oral health.
Dental procedures are safe during pregnancy
Dental work such as fillings and crowns should be performed to reduce any chance of infection. It's recommended to get any work done during the second trimester, because it may be difficult to lie on your back for a long time during the third trimester.
There are many things to worry about while you're pregnant, but your dental visit should not be one of them! Annual dental exams and routine cleanings not only safe during pregnancy, they're recommended.
Yes, it's safe (and smart) to visit the dentist during pregnancy. Oral health care – including teeth cleaning, X-rays, pain medication, and local anesthesia – is safe throughout pregnancy. In fact, it's especially important to have regular dental checkups, cleanings, and any necessary treatments during pregnancy.
The good news is that fluoride toothpaste is safe for you to use when you're pregnant however, ensure you never swallow it while brushing. Your dental health is even more important during this time.
When it comes to helping prevent or treat gingivitis, especially in its early stages, using a specialized toothpaste as part of your oral health routine can make a difference. Sensodyne Sensitivity & Gum is specifically formulated to relieve tooth sensitivity and improve gum health at the same time.