Keeping your mouth clean and healthy is important all the time, but when you are pregnant, it is even more important for you to make sure you are keeping up with your oral health. Pregnancy can increase your risk of tooth decay and infections because
• Your diet may have changed (more sugary foods)
• You are nauseous and throw up frequently (the acid can damage your teeth)
• You are at increased risk of gingivitis during the 2nd to 8th months of your pregnancy because the level of hormones are higher than usual. This can cause your gums to become red, puffy or tender
• You may have “pregnancy tumors” that form between your teeth that bleed easily. These “pregnancy tumors” form because your gums are more sensitive to the calculus or tartar that cause gum disease and inflammation
See your dentist or dental therapist any of the above has affected you.
The bacteria in your mouth can cause infections, which can lead to premature or low birth weight babies.
The best thing to do is to prevent these things from happening in the first place. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss everyday to prevent gingivitis and tooth decay.