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Posted on 7/10/2015 by Thomas Mahar |
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 Pregnancy will affect nearly every aspect of your life, and this includes your oral health. Unfortunately, many pregnant women don't consider that their oral health should be a priority, but taking care of your teeth and mouth are extremely important during pregnancy. Oral Health Concerns for Pregnant WomenFor the most part, your oral health needs during pregnancy will be identical to your normal routine, but there are a few added health concerns that you should be aware of when you are expecting.Pregnancy GingivitisMost pregnant women will notice changes in their gums. For some people, the gums may look red and can bleed when brushing, and others may experience severe swelling. These changes are known as pregnancy gingivitis, and while it may peak around the eighth month of gestation, it will typically taper off once the baby is born.Pregnancy gingivitis most often affects the front of the mouth, and symptoms are generally the same as gingivitis. However, the causes tend to be different, as increased hormone levels are thought to be at least partly responsible for pregnancy gingivitis. Progesterone levels in the body can be 10 times higher than normal levels, and this can enhance bacteria growth. Additionally, the immune system can be altered during pregnancy, changing the way that your body reacts to gingivitis-causing bacteria. Pregnancy GranulomaAlso referred to as a pregnancy tumor or pyogenic granuloma, a pregnancy granuloma is a relatively rare condition. It is a growth that occurs on the gums of 2%-10% of pregnant women, and despite its name, it isn't actually a tumor and is not cancerous. In fact, granulomas aren't dangerous, but they can cause some discomfort.Pregnancy granulomas are red nodules that develop on the upper gums, and the growths can bleed easily and may even form ulcers. The exact causes of pregnancy granulomas are unknown, but factors are thought to be poor oral hygiene, viruses, hormones, and trauma. These granulomas typically show up during the second trimester. Other Pregnancy-Related Conditions There are a few other oral health conditions that you might experience during pregnancy:
How to Care for Your Mouth during PregnancyIt is important to practice good dental hygiene and to get regular care from your dentist during pregnancy. Following a few simple steps can help to keep your mouth healthy:
In addition to your regular checkups, please contact us if you experience a toothache, painful or bleeding gums, and other signs of gum disease. |
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