Can Pregnancy Affect My Dental Health?

Pregnancy is a magical time that brings about many changes in a woman’s body, including significant shifts in hormone levels. It’s not uncommon to hear women say that their teeth were negatively affected by pregnancy. The good news is that dental issues during pregnancy are preventable with proper care. Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto offers a “Pregnancy Dentistry Program” to maintain your healthy smile during and after pregnancy. You can count on us for exceptional care and service.

How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Oral Health?

Here’s a look at some ways pregnancy can affect your oral health:

Increased Risk of Tooth Decay: Hormonal changes in pregnancy can increase the mouth’s acidity, elevating the risk of cavities. Tooth decay can also result from increased sugar intake, constant grazing and snacking, and decreased oral hygiene care.

Pregnancy Gingivitis: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause gum inflammation, leading to pregnancy gingivitis. If you have red, swollen, or bleeding gums, contact us for an appointment. We may recommend more frequent dental cleanings to manage your gum disease until your little one is born. 

Tooth Enamel Erosion: Morning sickness and increased acid reflux during pregnancy can expose the teeth to stomach acids, leading to tooth enamel erosion, tooth decay, and sensitivity. Make sure to rinse your mouth with water or fluoride mouthwash after vomiting to level out the acids in your mouth.

Pregnancy Tumors: Some pregnant women develop pregnancy tumors, which are benign growths that form on the gums. The good news is that these growths typically disappear after giving birth.

Dry Mouth: Pregnancy often causes dry mouth, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. We recommend drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and chewing sugar-free gum to enhance saliva production.

How Does Your Oral Health Affect Your Developing Baby?

Your oral health during and after pregnancy directly impacts your child’s oral and overall health. Untreated gum disease has been shown to increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weights. Moreover, harmful oral bacteria can travel from a mother to the newborn’s mouth, leading to childhood cavities and the need for extensive treatments at a very young age. Keeping your oral health problems in check will reflect on your baby’s long-term dental health.

Highlight Family Dentistry’s Pregnancy Dentistry Program

The following is a look at our Pregnancy Dentistry Program:

Step 1: We will evaluate your teeth, gums, and every aspect of your oral health to identify potential concerns and create a custom oral health plan.

Step 2: If you are planning to become pregnant, we will complete regular or deep dental cleanings, as needed, and treat any problem identified during your exam. We will also provide you with at-home care instructions and schedule follow-up appointments. If you are pregnant, any dental work will require clearance from your OB/GYN.

Step 3: Regular dental cleanings are typically scheduled every six months. However, we recommend coming in every three months during your pregnancy. We keep our cleaning fees minimal to ensure you can afford the exceptional care you need to keep your smile healthy.

Caring for Your Smile at Home

We emphasize the importance of good oral hygiene before, during, and after pregnancy. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day. Avoid brushing right after vomiting to prevent erosion to the teeth softened by exposure to stomach acids. Rinse with mouthwash instead. We recommend waiting at least 25-30 minutes before brushing your teeth. If you have any oral health concerns, make sure to let us know.

Pregnancy Dentistry Program Near Me

Visit Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto, TX, to learn more about maintaining good oral health during and after pregnancy. Our skilled and compassionate team will work with you to ensure you and your little one enjoy long-term healthy smiles. Call us at (512) 886-2644 to schedule your appointment, or book one online today!