You are already tracking your nutrition, going to your prenatal appointments, and preparing the nursery. But there is one question many expecting parents in Maryland forget to ask: What is happening with my teeth right now? Pregnancy affects nearly every part of your body, including your mouth. And a few simple steps can keep both you and your baby healthy.
At Horizon Family Dental Care, we have helped countless expecting parents navigate dental care during pregnancy. Here is what you need to know.
Pregnancy Gingivitis Is Real. And It Is Common.
You have probably heard the term. But what does it actually mean?
Pregnancy gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by hormonal changes. Those surging hormones make your gums more sensitive to plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth every day.
What you might notice:
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
- Red, tender, or swollen gums
- Bad breath that will not go away
The good news? Pregnancy gingivitis is treatable. With careful home care and professional cleanings, it usually goes away after delivery. But ignoring it can lead to more serious gum disease, which has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight.
Morning Sickness and Your Teeth
If you are dealing with morning sickness, whether in the first trimester or beyond, your teeth take a hit every time you vomit. Stomach acid is incredibly harsh on enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth.
Do not brush right away.
This sounds backwards, but it is important. If you brush immediately after vomiting, you are scrubbing acid into your teeth. Instead, rinse your mouth with water or a mixture of water and baking soda. Then wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.
Dental Care Is Safe During Pregnancy
Here is the message we want every expecting parent in Maryland to hear loud and clear: Going to the dentist during pregnancy is not only safe, it is recommended.
Routine cleanings and exams are safe at any stage of pregnancy. Necessary X-rays are also safe, especially with today’s digital technology and lead aprons that shield your abdomen and thyroid.
The second trimester is often the most comfortable time for dental work. By then, morning sickness has usually eased, and lying back in the dental chair is still manageable. But emergency care is safe at any trimester.
If you need a filling, a crown, or even a root canal, delaying treatment can actually be riskier than getting it done. An untreated infection can harm both you and your baby.
Cravings Can Hurt Your Teeth
Pregnancy cravings are real. And unfortunately, many common cravings, sugary snacks, citrus fruits, and starchy carbs, feed the bacteria that cause cavities.
A few simple swaps:
- Craving something sweet? Try cheese or yogurt. Both are low in sugar and high in calcium.
- Craving something sour? Rinse with water afterward and wait to brush.
- Craving crunchy snacks? Reach for raw veggies instead of chips.
And if you are snacking more often during the day (which many pregnant people do), try to keep sugary snacks to mealtimes rather than grazing all day.
A Healthy Mouth Supports a Healthy Baby
Your oral health is connected to your overall health. Studies show that treating gum disease during pregnancy reduces the risk of preterm birth. When you take care of your smile, you are taking care of your baby, too.
We Are Here for You
If you are expecting, or planning to become pregnant, come see us. Let us do a thorough exam, clean your teeth, and answer every question you have. No judgment. No lectures. Just care.
Contact Horizon Family Dental Care today to schedule your appointment. We have convenient locations in Baltimore, La Plata, Clinton, Hanover, and Gambrills. Your smile, and your baby, will thank you.