Not all women, but some can develop teeth sensitivity during
pregnancy. The hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy can have an
impact on your oral health. The tissues in the gums are more
susceptible to bacteria from plaque accumulation making pregnancy
gingivitis common marked with bleeding gums.
Sometimes red swellings or lumps form on inflamed gum tissue along
the gum line. These growths are called pyogenic granuloma or pregnancy
tumours. They are harmless but may bleed and cause discomfort while
eating and speaking.
Apart from this, many women develop sensitivity in the teeth and may
find it difficult to eat hot or cold food. In some cases, it can be so
severe that even brushing and flossing becomes challenging. Some women
experience a gag reflux while brushing during pregnancy due to tooth
sensitivity. However, don’t neglect oral hygiene as it can affect your
baby.
What you can do
Here are few tips to maintain good oral hygiene:
Practice the basics: Do not forget to brush and
floss during pregnancy. Also use other oral physiotherapy devices to
make sure you keep your whites clean and devoid of plaque to avoid
gingivitis. Advanced gingivitis can lead to periodontal diseases where
the gums pull away, forming spaces around the teeth causing bacteria to
dwell, hence increasing the chances of an infection. The bacteria enter
the blood stream through the mouth and travels to the uterus causing
premature birth and low birth weight of the child. Learn of more ways to
keep cavities at bay.
Reach for help in the right direction: If you feel
that problems like bleeding gums or cavities are causing you many
troubles never self-treat. Instead, your treatment should be done by
your dentist in conjunction with your gynecologist. Make sure that you
inform both about your condition and the treatments that have been
planned for you. Your gynecologist and your dentist should be on the
same page when it comes to dental treatment during pregnancy.
Check your diet: Remember most of your dental
troubles depend upon the type of diet you subject yourself too. Eat lots
of fruits that can help reduce instances of cavities and plaque
buildup. Avoid sugary foods and aerated drinks that cause harm to your
teeth.
