How Does Pregnancy Affect My Oral Health?

Pregnancy is an exciting time filled with anticipation and preparation. As you get ready for your little one’s arrival, make sure you don’t neglect to care for your oral health. Your trusted team at Avalon Dental Care invites you to experience pregnancy dentistry at its best. Our cutting-edge preventive services will ensure your smile stays in tip-top shape! 

Pregnancy and Your Oral Health

Here are some common pregnancy oral health concerns:

Pregnancy Gingivitis: Hormonal changes during pregnancy often cause irritated, inflamed, and bleeding gums, a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. In some cases, the condition progresses to a serious form of periodontal (gum) disease that can lead to bone and tooth loss. 

Tooth Decay and Cavities: Constant snacking, grazing, and cravings during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing cavities. That’s because cavity-causing bacteria feast on the abundant food source, resulting in tooth decay. Morning sickness can also wreak havoc on the mouth. Frequent vomiting exposes the teeth to stomach acids, which weakens and erodes the tooth enamel and increases the risk of cavities. 

Dry Mouth: Many expectant moms develop dry mouth (xerostomia), leaving them at risk for tooth decay and infections. Make sure to drink plenty of water and chew sugarless gum to enhance saliva production.

Your Dental Health and Your Baby

Maintaining a healthy smile during pregnancy has a direct impact on a developing baby’s health. Research has established a link between gum disease and problems with pregnancy, including preterm delivery and low birthweight babies. Moreover, cavity-causing bacteria in a new mom’s mouth can travel to the newborn’s mouth, often leading to early childhood decay and cavities.

Getting Your Smile Pregnancy Ready

Before becoming pregnant, we recommend visiting Avalon Dental Care for a dental exam and cleaning. That way, we can complete any needed preventive and restorative treatments to keep your smile healthy and sound. We encourage you to maintain meticulous oral hygiene practices and visit us for your routine dental care during pregnancy. If you develop any urgent problems, we will treat them to restore your oral health. However, we recommend postponing any elective procedures until after your baby is born.

Quality Pregnancy Dentistry in El Segundo and Lomita 

Contact Avalon Dental Care to learn more about maintaining a healthy smile before, during, and after your pregnancy. Our team is here to support your oral health every step of the way. Call us and schedule your appointment today!