While most people keep an eye out for typical pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue or a missed period, your teeth and gums might be more telling than you think. Is teeth and gum sensitivity a symptom of pregnancy? The answer might surprise you!

Hormones Can Alter Your Level of Teeth and Gum Sensitivity

Hormones are powerful messengers in the body, and yes, they can make your teeth and gums more sensitive! Some mothers-to-be go through periods of teeth and gum sensitivity, while others may have it consistently throughout their pregnancy.

In fact, hormones can even alter the way your body responds to a potential infection, such as the infection that can come with gum disease. These changes can cause sensitive teeth and gums, which should always be checked out by a dentist to protect you and your little one!

Increased Circulation Can Cause Swollen Gums

Most women will experience an increase in blood circulation during pregnancy in order to provide the developing fetus with nutrients during this essential time. However, this increased blood flow can cause your gum tissue to swell and become sensitive as well.

You may find that brushing your teeth is painful, or, you may have sensitivity to hot and cold foods where you didn’t have sensitivity before. However, swollen gums can also be a symptom of gum disease, so if this symptom persists, don’t hesitate to follow up with your dentist.

Many Expecting Mothers Are Prone to Gum Disease

Pregnant women are more susceptible to gum disease due to their fluctuating hormones. If you’re vomiting as a result of the morning sickness that the majority of new mothers experience, your teeth can be negatively impacted by your pregnancy.

If you’re seeing symptoms of gum disease, such as swollen, red gums, bad breath, or increased tooth sensitivity, don’t just blame it on your pregnancy. Gum disease in women has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight, so getting this infection treated is not only important to your health, but to your baby’s health as well.

Getting treatment for gum disease during pregnancy is safe, so schedule an appointment with your dentist if you’re having symptoms to ensure you have a safe, healthy pregnancy.

Are you concerned you might be pregnant? It’s true that changes in your oral cavity—including increased teeth and gum sensitivity—can be a symptom of pregnancy. Don’t wait to schedule an appointment with your dentist during your pregnancy to get your smile checked out. You’ll enjoy your pregnancy even more with a healthy smile!

The post Is Teeth and Gum Sensitivity a Symptom of Pregnancy? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Due to hormone changes in body, pregnant women experience a variety of oral health concerns. These usually become evident in the second month of pregnancy and continue until delivery. What changes does your mouth experience during your pregnancy?

Increased Risk for Gingivitis

Two hormones have been noted to be responsible for the oral health changes you experience during pregnancy—these are estrogen and progesterone. The increased levels of these hormones can lead to an increased risk for gingivitis. This is because these hormones cause your body to react more aggressively to the plaque that exists in your mouth, creating inflammation and symptoms of gum disease.

Getting checkups during your pregnancy is essential. Research shows that pregnant women who have gingivitis are more likely to give birth to premature babies as well as babies with a low birth weight. Although a dental checkup feels like the last thing on your list, it’s essential to keep your teeth healthy during pregnancy!

Enamel Damage

Many women experience some nausea during pregnancy, although only half experience vomiting. Changes in your oral bacteria in addition to morning sickness can cause increased acidity in your mouth, which can damage your tooth enamel. Your mouth is exposed to gastric acid if you experience morning sickness, which can cause enamel erosion.

If you do experience morning sickness during your pregnancy, rinsing with water afterwards can help. Water with a bit of baking soda is even better, as this can help to neutralize the acid. However, never brush after vomiting! The acid can cause your enamel to weaken, making it easy to brush away. Wait a minimum of 30 minutes before brushing if you vomit.

More Prone to Cavities

As a result of enamel damage, increased acidity in the mouth, and pregnancy cravings, pregnant women can be more prone to cavities. This is also true because of the lack of attention women give to their teeth during pregnancy. Your body nourishes your baby, so taking the best care of yourself is essential! Your dentist can help you determine if you have any cavities or if you’re enamel is getting damaged.

Benign Oral Tumors

Up to 5% of pregnant women experience benign oral tumors during pregnancy. These tumors or lesions can be up to 2cm in width and are usually on the outside of the gums. These lesions are a result of the hormonal imbalances that women experience during pregnancy. Although relatively harmless, you may need treatment for these benign tumors if they are painful or bleeding. Otherwise, they tend to go away after you have your baby.

It’s best if you can visit the dentist to address any oral health problems before conceiving, as pregnancy can often make existing oral health conditions worse! Aim to visit your dentist at least once during your pregnancy, particularly after the second month, as this is usually when most women notice problems. And as always, visit your dentist if you’re experiencing any pain or notice any changes in your oral health!

The post Top Oral Cavity Changes During Pregnancy appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Gum Disease Concerns During Pregnancy

Gum disease is quite dangerous in pregnant women, and the cause is the hormone changes that take place. Progesterone is elevated when a woman is pregnant. This hormone can actually have ill effects on gum disease. This is because progesterone can cause the blood vessels in the gums to become inflamed. Since this is a problem with gum disease, things can worsen quickly.

Because of this swelling caused by progesterone, gingivitis is common in pregnant women. Gingivitis really only refers to inflammation of the gums. When the condition progresses to infection, it is called periodontal disease. At this point, the condition poses additional risk to both mother and child.

Complications of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease affects more than just the mouth. Once the gums become infected, inflammatory responses can be triggered across the body. This is because the infection can easily be released into the blood stream. Researchers believe that this is one of the reasons women with periodontal disease are at higher risk for preterm delivery. Studies have also linked periodontal disease during pregnancy with high blood pressure. Pre-eclampsia is not only bad for the mother’s blood vessels but may stress a developing child’s blood vessels as well.

How Periodontal Disease Is Treated

The good news is that you dentist can treat periodontal disease effectively. Your dentist will provide training in how to keep teeth clean at home. Scaling will remove tartar that is promoting further inflammation. If necessary, root planing can also be performed safely. This is a deeper cleaning that gets behind the gums into pockets that are formed by the infection. A local anesthetic is used.

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

If you are an expecting mother, proper oral hygiene is extremely important to both you and your baby. Be sure not to skip your regular dental cleanings and checkups. Brush and floss daily with a good toothbrush and proper technique. Make a dental appointment if your gums become sore and red or begin to bleed. Your hormones may be working against you, but you can still successfully ward off periodontal disease and its many effects.

The post Pregnancy Hormones and Your Gums appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.