Pregnancy is not glamorous. Among a long list of uncomfortable symptoms, pregnancy can also affect your oral health. You may be wondering what prenatal dentistry can do for you. Seeing a dentist while you are pregnant is an important part of keeping yourself healthy.
Please keep reading to learn more about prenatal dental care, and then give our Amherst dentist a call. We would be more than happy to set you up with a free consultation with Dr. Douglas Hamill.
Sensitive Gums
Midway through your pregnancy especially, you may notice changes to your gums. They may become more sensitive, bleed more, and become swollen. Your hormonal changes can affect your susceptibility to getting gingivitis while pregnant. There are things you can do at home to help manage the symptoms. If they are severe, you should seek out prenatal dentistry right away.
Damage to Enamel
Over half of pregnant women will experience some level of vomiting during pregnancy. Some have severe cases which is called hyperemesis gravidarum which can result in a hospital stay. When you throw up a lot, it can start to affect the enamel of your teeth. Stomach acid can eat away at your tooth enamel.
If you are throwing up in the morning, you should wait 30 minutes after to brush your teeth. You may be tempted to grab a toothbrush right away to get the taste out of your mouth, but you should avoid brushing your teeth until the acidity levels out. It is safe for you to receive professional cleanings for prenatal dentistry.
Tooth Loss
There are many women who suffer so much with their oral health because of pregnancy that they end up losing teeth. There are treatments you can get to replace your missing teeth once you are no longer pregnant. Typically, with more invasive dental treatments, you can receive them if the risks of not getting the treatment outweigh the risks of the treatment. That means you will like need to wait to receive most restorative or cosmetic treatments.
Call Our Amherst Dentist Today
If you want to know more about prenatal dentistry, do not hesitate to reach out to us today. We can help you feel better if pregnancy has been tough on your teeth. You can reach out right away when you are ready to set up your first free consultation.
