When a woman becomes pregnant, their bodies go through many changes. Hormonal changes will affect your body the most while pregnant, and your body also is decreased of nutrients to provide them to your baby growing and developing in your womb. Because of these reasons, it’s extremely important to take care of your teeth while pregnant, and make sure to see your dentist regularly while pregnant.

How Does Pregnancy Affect the Health of your Teeth?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a major problem that needs to be addressed if it arises while you’re pregnant. Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria cause an infection in the mouth, this develops in the pockets that lie beneath the gum line. This can cause much damage to the fibers that are responsible to holding your teeth in place. If you develop periodontal disease while pregnant, it can also affect your baby. Make sure to see your dentist if you have, or think you may have, periodontal disease while pregnant.

Pregnancy gingivitis is not as serious as periodontal disease, but it does need to be addressed. The increased levels of hormones in the body while pregnant can cause gingivitis, and inflammation in the gums. The symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis is red, swollen gums, gums that bleed when brushed and flossed, and pain or soreness in the gums. This condition will resolve on its own after the birth of your baby.

Pregnancy granuloma is not a very serious condition, but it can be painful. It usually only affects 2 to 10% of pregnant women, and it resolves on its own after the birth of your baby. Pregnancy granuloma causes modular growth in the mouth, and usually appears on the upper gum line. These growths can bleed and end up crusting over, and they can make it painful to eat or speak.

Pregnancy can also cause dry mouth. Hormonal changes cause the amount of saliva production to decrease, resulting in dry mouth. Dry mouth can bring on a host of dental problems, so it’s best to see your dentist if this occurs. You can also drink plenty of water or chew sugar-less gum to help with dry mouth.