Apart from regular OB-GYN appointments, you might also need frequent dental checkups while pregnant. Vomiting from morning sickness, craving sugary foods, and hormonal changes can impact your teeth and gums. A dentist will address and treat the oral health side effects of pregnancy, including those listed here.

3 Common Pregnancy-Related Dental Problems

1. Gingivitis 

As hormones change, more blood flows to the gum tissue. This leaves gums inflamed, leading to possible soreness and bleeding when brushing and flossing. Pregnancy gingivitis often happens during the second trimester. Hormonal changes can also exacerbate the issue, as the mouth can’t fight bacteria the same way, allowing it to form into plaque along the gum line.

2. Pregnancy Oral Tumors

Due to hormonal changes, benign growths, or oral tumors, can also develop on gums in the crevices between teeth. The growths start to form around the third month of pregnancy and can continue to grow. The tumors could bleed when touched and make eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable, so a dentist might recommend surgical treatment. Otherwise, the tumors should go away on their own after giving birth. 

3. Loose Teeth

Teeth also become loose during pregnancy. When expecting, progesterone and estrogen levels are higher than normal. The hormones can weaken the supportive tissue and bone for teeth. To prevent pain, discomfort, and possible tooth loss, it might be best to switch to a diet of softer, nutrient-rich foods.

For exams and treatments to protect your oral health during and after pregnancy, contact the dentists at Elm Dental Care. Based in St. Charles, MO, the staff provides teeth whitening, root canals, and other general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services to people in the New Town neighborhood and beyond. For an appointment, call (636) 916-4848. Visit the practice online to view and download new patient forms, and like their Facebook page for more tips to keep teeth and gums healthy.