Pregnancy can be an exciting time and while you have so much to plan for, your oral health may be one of the last things you’re thinking about. It’s particularly important to pay close attention to your teeth and gums at this time.
Reasons why pregnant women should take extra care with their oral health:
- The hormone progesterone can be raised up to ten times higher than the normal level during pregnancy. This can affect your body’s response to toxins and make it more susceptible to developing periodontal disease, also known as ‘pregnancy gingivitis’.
- Some pregnant women also develop a growth on their gums known as a ‘pregnancy granuloma’. These are red nodules, usually found on the upper gums and while they are not dangerous, they can cause discomfort.
- Pregnant women may suffer from dry mouth and tooth erosion as a result of repeated exposure to acid from severe morning sickness.
If you are pregnant we recommend that you come to the practice for a thorough check-up so that we can help you to have a healthy and happy pregnancy.