Pregnancy and Your Oral Health: What You Need to Know

1. PREGNANCY AND YOUR ORAL HEALTH: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW A lot of preparation is required when a new baby is on the way. However, despite your hectic schedule, you shouldn't neglect your oral hygiene. Because of the hormonal shifts during pregnancy, you should take special care to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. CAVITIES OR CARIES This refers to little abnormalities in the enamel of your teeth—the risk of developing cavities increases during pregnancy. Cavity-causing bacteria can be passed from mother to child throughout pregnancy and after delivery. Your child may have developmental issues as a result of this. Treatment: Improve your oral hygiene and contact your dentists in Woollahra. TOOTH DECAY When you're pregnant, your body produces more progesterone and estrogen than usual, and both of these hormones can temporarily relax the tissues and bones that hold your teeth in place. This might cause your teeth to become loose. GINGIVITIS Gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease characterised by red, swollen gums caused by inflammation and perhaps exacerbated by fluctuating hormone levels during pregnancy, affects 60–75% of pregnant women. RED, SWOLLEN, AND BLEEDING GUMS Your body's reaction to the bacteria in your mouth (plaque) may alter due to the fluctuating hormone levels during pregnancy. You may feel uncomfortable brushing or flossing due to increased sensitivity or nausea. Don't forget to make an appointment with a Bondi Junction dentist for a dental check-up. If you have questions or concerns about oral health during pregnancy, you can contact dental professionals like Optimal Dental Care. WWW.OPTIMALDENTALCARE.COM.AU