Pregnant women’s mouths undergo changes due to hormonal fluctuations associated with carrying a baby, and this can lead to more cavities and other dental problems. When you consider all the other changes a woman’s body experiences during pregnancy, it’s easy to overlook what’s happening to your teeth. Here’s a breakdown of each trimester and what you can expect and do to mitigate damage to your teeth and gums.
First Trimester – What to Expect
In the first trimester, a woman’s gums may become more irritated so you should consider switching to a less abrasive toothpaste. This will help to avoid sensitivity when brushing. Milder toothpaste is easier on tooth enamel, which can come in handy if you’re struggling with morning sickness.
Second Semester – Floss!
Hormonal changes can lead to an increased amount of plaque on your teeth. It also means that your gums may bleed more than usual when flossing. It’s very important to be brushing and flossing twice a day (even if you’re not pregnant, FYI)! Your gums should go back to normal after your pregnancy is over, assuming they were healthy to start with.
Third Semester – Heartburn
Heartburn is known to cause trouble in the third semester of pregnancy. You can create a barrier that prevents acid from causing teeth damage by swishing coconut oil in your mouth for 5 minutes after brushing.
Please don’t forget that your dental health is a major part of your overall health and well-being. If you are pregnant or hope to become pregnant, taking care of your oral health is incredibly important.
If you have any additional questions about how pregnancy can affect your oral health, please reach out to us at 440.354.0705 or make an online appointment here.
