{"id":970,"date":"2019-02-20T19:00:47","date_gmt":"2019-02-20T19:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mydentalpracticeblog.com\/\/hudsonhighlandsdentistry\/dental-care-blog\/the-effects-of-pregnancy-on-oral-health\/"},"modified":"2019-04-18T21:36:18","modified_gmt":"2019-04-18T21:36:18","slug":"the-effects-of-pregnancy-on-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mydentalpracticeblog.com\/hudsonhighlandsdentistry\/dental-care-blog\/the-effects-of-pregnancy-on-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"The Effects Of Pregnancy On Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

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YOU CAN ALWAYS<\/b> expect your body to go through a lot of changes when you\u2019re expecting, but did you know that some of those changes are to your oral health?<\/p>\n

The changing hormone levels of pregnancy actually put expecting mothers at greater risk of developing a variety of oral health issues, including gum disease, enamel erosion, and unusual swellings in the gums.<\/p>\n

Pregnancy Gingivitis<\/b><\/h3>\n

There\u2019s so much to do in the months leading up to the arrival of a new baby, but that\u2019s no reason to leave brushing and flossing on the back burner, because pregnancy hormones can lead to the tender, swollen gums of gingivitis.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Around 40 percent<\/a> of pregnant woman have some form of gum disease, and studies have linked pregnancy gingivitis to premature delivery and lower birth weights. Make sure to brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily to keep the plaque away from your vulnerable gums.<\/p>\n

Morning Sickness And Enamel Erosion<\/b><\/h3>\n

While hormones cause problems for an expectant mom\u2019s gums, morning sickness can cause problems for her teeth.<\/strong> Stomach acid from frequent vomiting, heartburn, or acid reflux eats away at the hard, protective enamel on each tooth. The best way to minimize this effect is to swish with baking soda and water after a bout of morning sickness. This will neutralize any acid left in your mouth before you brush.<\/p>\n

Pyogenic Granuloma<\/b><\/h3>\n

Perhaps the weirdest oral health change a pregnant woman can experience is pyrogenic granuloma<\/a>, or \u201cpregnancy tumors.\u201d The name might sound scary, but these swellings (which often resemble raspberries between the teeth) are not malignant. They most often appear in the second trimester. The dentist can remove them if they\u2019re uncomfortable, but they usually vanish after the baby is born.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Protecting Your Teeth \u2014 And Your Baby\u2019s!<\/b><\/h3>\n

In addition to your daily brushing and flossing, what you eat can play a big role in keeping your teeth healthy. Cut back on sugary treats and load up on essential nutrients.<\/strong> Your baby\u2019s teeth start developing in the second trimester, and they need plenty of protein, calcium, phosphorous, and vitamins A, C, and D to grow strong.<\/p>\n