What are the most common oral health problems during pregnancy?
Oral health problems that may occur during pregnancy include:
Pregnancy gingivitis: gums that are red, swollen, bleed easily, and are tender to touch. Changes in hormones during pregnancy may put you at an increased risk of gingivitis.
Periodontitis: untreated gingivitis may lead to periodontitis – a more serious and advanced inflammation of the gums and the bones that support the teeth.
Pyogenic Granuloma: lumps along the gumline that are generally harmless, but they can make it difficult to keep your teeth clean. These lumps typically go away after the baby is born.
Xerostomia: dryness of the mouth may occur due to changes in hormones during pregnancy which can impact your oral health.
Tooth decay: the risk of developing tooth decay may increase due to frequent sipping and snacking on sugary drinks and foods.
Tooth erosion: a type of wear on your teeth that may be more common during pregnancy due to gastric acid exposure from morning sickness.
Talk with your dentist if you have concerns about the health of your mouth or gums.