A woman’s body goes through plenty of changes during pregnancy. With all of the obvious physical changes going on, expectant mothers can often overlook the changes occurring to their oral health. The hormonal changes in a pregnant woman can make her more vulnerable to plaque and bacteria buildup on teeth. This buildup can lead to serious oral health problems like tooth decay and eventual tooth loss. Here at Lake Country Dental, we recommend using dental implants to restore your smile if you happen to be in that situation. Of course, it’s recommended to go through the dental implant process after pregnancy. Dr. Ray Snider wants to share oral health tips during pregnancy for his patients here in Fort Worth, TX.
Pregnancy and Risk for Periodontal Disease
As we mentioned before, pregnant women are at a risk for the buildup of bacteria and plaque on their teeth. An excess of plaque in the mouth causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, which will allow for bacteria to further destroy teeth and the underlying bone. So, why are pregnant women more susceptible to these problems? There are two major reasons:
- Hormones: A woman’s hormones change dramatically during pregnancy, which can affect their oral health. These hormone changes allow more bacteria to grow in the mouth more easily. The increased level of progesterone cause inflammation because of the exaggerated response to bacteria.
- Morning Sickness: Having nausea and vomiting is a common side effect of pregnancy for most women. Pregnant women can often have damaged tooth enamel from the stomach acid that erodes away teeth.
Dental Care During Pregnancy
Taking the few extra steps to care for your teeth during pregnancy can save you a lot of pain in the long run. Here are a few tips for dental health during pregnancy:
- Maintain Oral Hygiene Routine: Brushing twice and flossing at least once a day will help remove the bacteria that is more likely to thrive during pregnancy. You can even bump it up to brushing three times a day depending on your specific case.
- Visit Your Dentist: Make sure to regularly visit the dentist or go if you spot any oral health issues. The dentist can spot issues early on to find an easy treatment. Remember, this won’t just take care of your health, but it can also be extremely beneficial for the health of your baby.
- Rinse Mouth After Vomiting: If you’ve been suffering from morning sickness, rinse your mouth out with water or a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water. The water can help rinse away acids and the baking soda will change the acids so they don’t damage your teeth.
Contact our Office in Fort Worth, TX
We recommend beginning the dental implant process after pregnancy. If you’re not pregnant and are dealing with tooth loss, contact our office. You can begin your dental implant process with our free, no-obligation consultation. Use dental implants to achieve your confident restored smile today!