Pregnant Women

Pregnancy can be an exciting time with lots to plan for. Your oral health may be one of the last things you’re thinking about but it’s more important than ever to pay close attention to your dental health at this time.

Hormone changes during pregnancy can affect your oral health and many pregnant women notice that their gums are red, inflamed and sometimes bleed when they brush their teeth.

Swollen and inflamed gums are referred to as ‘pregnancy gingivitis’ and this can start as soon as the second month of pregnancy. The hormone progesterone can be around 10 times higher than normal during pregnancy, affecting your body’s response to toxins as a result of plaque build-up. Women are therefore more susceptible to developing periodontal disease when these hormonal fluctuations occur.

Some women experience a growth on their gums known as a pregnancy granuloma. These red nodules, usually found on the upper gums, are not dangerous but they can cause discomfort.

Other oral health problems may include tooth erosion as a result of constant exposure to acid from severe morning sickness. Dry mouth is another complaint that can be easily remedied by drinking plenty of water and using sugarless sweets or chewing gum to stimulate your saliva flow.

If you are pregnant we recommend that you come to see our Shoreham dentists for a thorough dental health examination so we can help you to have a healthy and happy pregnancy.