PREGNANCY AFFECTS NEARLY every aspect of your life–your lifestyle, your diet, your health, and much more! Your mouth is no exception to the changes your body may experience during pregnancy. But will pregnancy affect your orthodontic treatment?
Be Aware Of These Things During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, make sure to notify your orthodontist so we can plan your care accordingly. The good news is that having or getting braces usually won’t affect your pregnancy in any way, or vice versa. With that being said, you should be aware of certain dental issues that do have the potential to impact your orthodontic treatment while pregnant.
One of these conditions is pregnancy gingivitis. Around 40 percent of pregnant women have some form of gum disease–gingivitis being the first stage. Because of raised hormone levels during pregnancy, you may be more sensitive to dental plaque than before, causing your gums to swell and bleed.
Good oral hygiene can prevent or minimize the effects of pregnancy gingivitis. As traditional braces can make it even harder to keep your teeth clean, you’ll need to be extra diligent about your oral hygiene when you are pregnant and undergoing orthodontic treatment. You’ll also want to get frequent cleanings at your general dentist’s office.
As you know, orthodontic treatment can cause some pain after an adjustment. During pregnancy, increased blood flow may make your gums sensitive, swollen and tender to the touch, adding to the discomfort. Since you can’t rely on over-the-counter pain medications while you’re pregnant, an ice pack and eating soft foods should help with post-adjustment soreness.
We are also very aware of how strong those pregnancy cravings are! We know you’re eating for two, but don’t forget to stay away from foods that can damage your braces like popcorn, nuts, ice, and sticky candies such as taffy or bubblegum. Choose nutritious snacks to keep your teeth healthy, as well as your growing baby’s.
Mothers, We Are Here For You
Pregnancy can bring with it a lot of change and responsibility, but we want our patients to know that we are here for you. We want to make sure that your smile is taken care of so you can focus on preparing for your little one to come into the world. If you have any more questions, call us or leave us a message on our Facebook page!
