The additional hormones that women who are pregnant have may cause some dental changes. For example, they become more sensitive to plaque, which tends to appear between and on the teeth. If a woman’s gums start to become more sensitive due to plaque, she may notice a bit of blood on her toothbrush each time she brushes. Pregnant women are more likely to develop gingivitis than women who are not pregnant. Those who constantly deal with morning sickness may notice more discoloration because of the acid that touches the teeth while vomiting.
No expectant mother wants to lose teeth during or after her pregnancy, which is why all women must be proactive about caring for their teeth. There are some women who believe they cannot have a dental cleaning or any kind of dental work performed during their pregnancy, but that is a misconception. In fact, women are encouraged to continue seeing their dentist for routine cleanings to help get rid of the plaque before it has enough time to sit on the teeth and gums, causing decay and other serious problems. However, they may need to avoid having X-rays done because of the radiation exposure.
Along with a routine cleaning at the dental office, pregnant women should follow a few different steps to keep their teeth healthy and clean while at home. For example, after vomiting due to morning sickness, a woman should always rinse her mouth out with water. Even though it may be frustrating to do so much, especially for those who are constantly sick, water rinses the mouth out so the acidity from the vomit does not sit on the teeth. It would be ideal to brush more than twice a day. Some pregnant women choose to brush 3-4 times a day to be on the safe side.
Floss and mouthwash should be used during each brushing session. There are mouthwashes designed to fight plaque and make breath smell a lot better. The floss will help with removing any stubborn pieces of food that have gotten stuck. Women may also want to watch what they eat and drink. Sugary foods and beverages, such as candy and soda, may contribute to decay. While it is fine to give into cravings at times, such food items should only be consumed in moderation. If you want to learn more about root canal treatment in Apex, speak with a general dentist.
