Does Being Pregnant Make My Teeth and Gums Ache?
Pregnancy comes with many symptoms. While most pregnant women know they may experience morning sickness or nausea, they don’t always think about how pregnancy will affect their dental health.
When a woman is pregnant, more blood flows through her body and there is more acid in her mouth. Therefore, she may experience some dental problems during pregnancy that may not have been a problem before she got pregnant.
Gingivitis is one of those problems and occurs when the gums are swollen, red, or sore. The high levels of the hormone progesterone can cause gingivitis during pregnancy. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a serious gum disease known as periodontitis.
Another common dental health issues during pregnancy is loose teeth. High levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen can hinder the tissues and bones that keep the teeth in place, leading to loose teeth.
Pregnancy tumors may also arise. Although they are not cancerous, they are lumps that form on swollen gums between teeth and may lead to bleeding. Fortunately, these tumors typically go away on their own. In some cases, however, pregnant women need to have them removed after they give birth.
In addition, women who have morning sickness and find themselves throwing up frequently during their pregnancy are an increase risk of cavities. The most common signs that a pregnant woman may be facing dental health issues include bad breath, sore or bleeding gums, mouth sores, and toothaches.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the near future, it’s important to visit the dentist to ensure your teeth and gums are in their optimal condition.
Contact Wells Family Dental Group
If you have further questions on how pregnancy may affect your teeth and gums, you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Wells, a top rated Raleigh, NC family dentist. We look forward to meeting you!