Welcoming a new bundle of joy into your family is certainly something to smile about. Pregnancy can be an exciting and daunting time in a woman’s life. Amidst the doctor’s appointments, late-night cravings, and preparation for your little one, it might be easy to let your dental health fall by the wayside. However, pregnancy is actually one of the most critical times for your oral health, since it can significantly impact you and your baby’s well being. At Eagle Gate Dental, we offer a full suite of general dentistry services to help expectant mothers maintain their teeth, gums, and overall health. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about the link between dental care and pregnancy. In the following blog post, our Salt Lake City dental team explains what you need to know about maintaining your teeth and gums during these pivotal months.   

How Pregnancy Can Give You Cavities

It’s an unfortunate truth: expectant mothers become much more vulnerable to caries. You’re more likely to develop cavities during pregnancy because:

• You may suffer from morning sickness. Over half of all pregnant women deal with morning sickness, which involves nausea, vomiting, and heartburn, typically upon waking. In addition to being uncomfortable and inconvenient, morning sickness exposes your teeth to harmful acids that can erode your enamel and lead to decay.  
• Your hormones are raging. Heightened levels of estrogen have been linked to caries. 
• The composition of your saliva shifts. Your own saliva is your body’s first line of defense against caries, since it can rinse away bacteria and food. It also contains cavity-fighting enzymes and compounds. Pregnant women often produce less saliva (leading to dry mouth) and their saliva is typically less effective against bacteria.
• Your diet changes. While your baby might demand a chocolate milkshake at midnight or pickles with every meal, these cravings might not be the healthiest for your teeth. Sugary, starchy, or acidic foods can feed decay-causing bacteria and wear down your teeth.

Given your risks for decay, maintaining proper oral hygiene is more important than ever during pregnancy. Make sure you stay hydrated, try to maintain a healthy diet, brush your teeth at least twice per day for at least two minutes, and floss at least once a day.

Pay Attention to Periodontal Infection

The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy can dramatically increase your chance of developing gum disease. In fact, this condition is so prevalent that many dentists refer to it as “pregnancy gingivitis,” in which bacteria collect under the gum line, causing the tissue to swell, bleed, and become sensitive. An estimated 40 percent of expectant mothers suffer from this disease. If treated promptly and effectively with improved oral hygiene, gingivitis is typically not a problem. However, if it isn’t handled, this condition could progress to periodontitis, in which the gum tissue begins to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. In addition to putting you at risk for tooth loss, mothers’ periodontitis has been linked to low birth weight and premature birth. To keep you and your baby safe, you should never skip flossing and contact us immediately if you spot any signs of gum disease. 

The Importance of Dental Check-Ups

Dr. Wright and our team strongly encourage pregnant women to take a proactive approach to their dental care. In addition to practicing excellent home hygiene, this means keeping your biannual appointments at our practice. During these visits, Dr. Wright will examine your mouth to check for any troubling symptoms so they can be treated before they worsen. However, we’ll avoid taking x-rays unless absolutely necessary to limit your radiation exposure. We’ll also perform a thorough cleaning of your teeth to remove any plaque and tartar.

Preserve Your Smile and Your Baby’s Health

Practicing outstanding dental care is even more important during pregnancy. To learn more about what you can do to benefit your oral health while expecting, contact our office today to schedule a consultation or your next routine appointment.