Any woman who’s ever been pregnant before will probably agree that those nine months, wonderful are they might be, feel like a wildly intense hormonal free for all. From sudden skin breakouts to swollen feet, pregnant women are subject to changes that can wreak havoc not only on their bodies, but on their emotions. (Fortunately, the whole “getting a baby” aspect makes the process a lot more bearable.) While most women expect certain challenges to arise during pregnancy, many find themselves taken by surprise when they realize that carrying a child comes with a certain degree of mouth-related repercussions.
Dr. Stuart Levy is a dentist with offices in Medford, New Jersey who has treated his fair share of pregnant women throughout the years. Dr. Levy likes to emphasize that although dental issues have been known to catch many a pregnant woman off-guard, they are actually fairly common. When you think about it, it makes perfect sense: The same hormones that might cause an otherwise rational woman to send her husband out to the market at midnight for her fill of pickles and ice cream can also mess with the workings of her mouth. The good news is that tooth-related issues are somewhat rare (ladies, not to worry; pregnancy can’t cause your teeth to get misaligned). However, gum issues during pregnancy are actually rather widespread, particularly during the second and third trimesters.
In fact, many pregnant women end up suffering from a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. Pregnancy gingivitis is caused by increased hormone levels and can result in red, uncomfortably swollen gums. The condition often causes a fair amount of bleeding when a sufferer attempts to brush her teeth. Naturally, incredibly tender gums usually prompts women to clean their teeth less thoroughly, and understandably so. After all, it can be difficult to motivate oneself to engage in an extended tooth-brushing session when the act of doing so causes added soreness and pain. However, it is especially important that pregnant women do their best to stick to their solid dental care routines to avoid further mouth-related complications.
Depending on the situation, a dentist might recommend that a pregnant woman come in for cleanings on a more frequent basis during her second or early third trimester in order to help her avoid dental problems that can prevail even after the baby is born. Additionally, pregnant women are advised to be diligent when it comes to oral hygiene during their pregnancies; this includes flossing daily and limiting sugar intake (or at least making sure to brush after satisfying those cravings).
While pregnancy gingivitis and other such oral issues are the last things that the average pregnant woman wants to deal with, they can, unfortunately, become part of the picture. However, by maintaining a consistent oral hygiene regimen and visiting the dentist as recommended, a pregnant woman can do her part to ensure that she won’t have to suffer any long-term consequences as the result of her current state of oral upheaval. Of course, dealing with dental issues during pregnancy is undoubtedly far from pleasant. But in the grand scheme of having a baby, most women will wholeheartedly agree that a little mouth pain is certainly worth the sacrifice.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
