When you find out you are pregnant, you know that it means some big changes to your body over the coming nine months, but you might know less about how your oral health may be affected.

In this month’s blog the team at College Dental Surgeries look at how your oral health can be affected during pregnancy.

Morning sicknessMorning Sickness and your oral health

Morning sickness is part of pregnancy for many women, but it can also affect your oral health as the acid present in your teeth can lead to tooth erosion. Although you may be tempted to brush your teeth immediately after a bout of morning sickness, the best thing you can do to protect your enamel is wait an hour to give your enamel a chance to reharden.

If you can’t stand waiting another minute, try rinsing your mouth out with a non-acidic, alcohol-free mouthwash or plain old water. Trust us; it’s well worth waiting to have fresh breath when it comes to your dental health.

Dental appointmentsDental appointments

There’s no better way to keep your teeth and gums in excellent shape than visiting your dentist. They can catch problems before they become serious and recommend the best treatment. And it’s completely safe to get regular dental check-ups when pregnant and urgent dental procedures if absolutely required.

It is important that you let the dentist know that you are pregnant as soon as you do. They may need to adjust your treatment plan and will postpone certain treatment until after your baby is born to avoid taking any risks.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

During pregnancy your hormones can cause your gums to swell, leading to pregnancy gingivitis. If you notice that your gums are bleeding when you brush, be sure to book an appointment with the dentist. They may advise that you attend for regular hygienist appointments throughout your pregnancy to help keep your teeth and gums clean.

Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home is crucial. It is recommended to brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and to clean interdentally every day.

Pregnancy tumorsPregnancy Tumours

Some women also develop pregnancy tumours. These growths typically occur in the second trimester and resemble small raspberries that form between the teeth. A dentist can remove them if they cause discomfort; however, in most cases, they will resolve naturally after the birth of the baby.

Avoid Teeth Whitening

There’s not a whole lot of research on teeth whitening during pregnancy. But as there’s no guarantee it’s safe, the advice is not to do it at all when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Teeth whitening involves a range of chemicals, the safety of which is not known, so if best avoided when pregnant.

Pregnancy means big changes in your body and your lifestyle; remember that it’s just as important to take care of your teeth and gums as it is the rest of you. The team at College Dental Surgeries work closely with each of our patients to customise individual treatment plans that successfully meet their personal needs.  Call College Dental Surgeries today on 01622 752340 and book in for your routine dental appointment today.