Expect Great Dental Care When You Are Expecting By Dr. Pinnix on April 06, 2015

If you are currently pregnant, you have probably already discovered that pregnancy can affect your life and your health in ways you didn’t necessarily expect. If you are only now planning to become pregnant, you should know that your pregnancy will profoundly influence all aspects of your health, including your dental health. The experienced team at our general dentistry practice, Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney, can help you maintain good oral health throughout your pregnancy, whether you are right now in the midst of your pregnancy or considering the possibility of starting a family.

When it comes to pregnancy and dental care, Charlotte dentists John M. Pinnix and George A. Betancourt are able to provide care of the most unsurpassed quality with a gentle, compassionate touch. They take the time to help their pregnant patients understand how pregnancy affects their oral health and how they can improve their at-home dental hygiene regimens to ensure the health of their teeth and gums between office visits.

Whether you are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant, we encourage you to visit Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney today.

The Effects of Pregnancy on Dental Health

As you probably know, pregnancy causes a variety of dramatic hormonal and other changes to occur, affecting the health of your entire body. Your mouth is not spared these effects. Your periodontal tissues can be particularly vulnerable during pregnancy, so you will want to take note of any visible changes to the color and texture of your gums.

In fact, gum disease is the most common oral health issue among pregnant women. If you notice that your gums are red or swollen, or that they bleed more easily than usual when you brush your teeth, you may be experiencing the symptoms of gum disease. Fortunately, in its earliest stages, gum disease is relatively easy to treat and doesn’t normally require invasive methods such as oral surgery. However, timely treatment is of the essence. If left untreated, gum disease can quickly progress, putting you at risk of tooth loss, gum and jawbone recession, and infection. There is also a link between gum disease and a heightened risk of heart disease, stroke, and - most relevant to your current state - birth complications.

Another periodontal condition that commonly occurs during pregnancy is the development of granulomas. A granuloma is benign but highly annoying and often painful growth on the gums that usually disappears once the pregnancy is over. While not serious, granulomas are certainly irritating.

More serious is enamel erosion. If you, like millions of pregnant women, are experiencing acid reflux and frequent vomiting, especially during the early stages of your pregnancy, you are potentially damaging the protective enamel of your teeth. Brushing immediately after vomiting can actually worsen the damage if done improperly. First rinsing with a gentle mouthwash is a more effective way of ridding the mouth of harmful acids.

During your initial consultation with one of our esteemed dentists, we can provide you with further strategies for preserving your oral health during your pregnancy.