A woman’s body goes through many changes during pregnancy, making it more important than ever to be in good health. Because a woman’s oral health is tied so closely to her child, it is wise to make a dental appointment for a cleaning and checkup. Increased hormone levels and changes in diet are just a few of the factors putting pregnant women at greater risk for common dental hang-ups.

What to Expect: Oral Care During Pregnancy

Morning sickness causes increased levels of acid in the mouth, and in some cases, it can lead to the erosion of tooth enamel. To avoid any damage to your teeth, rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in water.

With increased levels of hormones, the amount of bacteria in the mouth is constantly fluctuating. Gingivitis is the most common dental problem pregnant women face–a buildup of plaque that can cause inflammation. It can be treated with a professional cleaning, but if left untreated, gingivitis can often develop into periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease.

Pregnancy hormones can also allow benign pregnancy tumors to develop in the mouth. The tumors typically appear during the first trimester and are gone after delivery without issue. However, if they bleed, interfere with eating, or don’t disappear post-pregnancy, they may need to be surgically removed. A woman should wait to get them removed until after pregnancy due to risks with removal. Waiting until post-pregnancy to have oral surgery is a safe idea, but getting treatment for oral disease as soon as possible is crucial to avoid further complications.

Call Barganier and LeCroy for Your Next Cleaning

Routine dental treatment is important at any point during a pregnancy, but scheduling a cleaning during the first trimester is ideal. An additional cleaning in the second trimester is also recommended to monitor for signs of change.

Coming in for a regular cleaning during a pregnancy is a good idea to reduce the risk of oral disease and let your dental professional look for signs of any issues that may arise. Make an appointment with LeCroy Dental and come up with a plan to maintain oral care during pregnancy!