While becoming pregnant is a euphoric time for many women, most women are unaware that their oral health can actually change during pregnancy. The changes that occur in oral health during pregnancy include gum inflammation, acid erosion, and gum disease.
Gum inflammation often occurs in the days leading up to the start of a woman’s menstrual cycle. It often resolves itself on its own and should not be a cause for concern. During pregnancy, however, more serious oral health problems can occur such as acid erosion of the tooth enamel. This results because of excessive vomiting during pregnancy, and pregnant women should make sure to brush their teeth thoroughly after throwing up.
Gum disease can also occur in pregnant women and has been directly linked to babies born prematurely with a low birth weight. For this reason, it is extremely important that soon-to-be mothers maintain their oral health throughout pregnancy.If you are having problems with your oral health, such as gum infection or disease, please contact the Austin dental emergency professionals of BridgeView Dental at 512-347-8299.