Creating a whole new life may be natural, but it can absolutely take a toll on the body. Women regularly deal with aches and pains, hair loss, changing body shape, and, yes, even tooth loss. Before worrying too much, however, know that the right routine can minimize the risk of tooth loss and many other dental conditions while pregnant (and even after). There are also many ways you can replace your smile if you do happen to lose a tooth (or two).
There are so many different solutions at hand. You just need to have the knowledge ahead of time to invest in all the pre-natal dental care your body needs, and know what to do if something happens, like your tooth falling out. You don’t even need to go anywhere, as this guide explains it all:
Dental Issues You May Experience During Your Pregnancy
Pregnancy results in hormonal fluctuations, which can create an ideal environment for oral bacteria. The increase in progesterone can also cause issues for your teeth.
Gum Disease
Increased bacteria in the mouth can result in gum disease. You’ll notice issues like swollen gums, bleeding gums, or red gums. If you leave this untreated (which can easily happen, when you have so much to prepare for and other areas of your health to focus on) you may end up developing periodontitis.
Tooth Decay
When you regularly vomit (the infamous morning sickness) you introduce acid into your mouth and teeth, which can lead to tooth decay. Changes in diet can also weaken your tooth enamel, which, when worn away, makes you more susceptible to cavities.
Tooth Loss
Losing your teeth is not common, but it can happen due to gum disease, tooth decay, or due to hormonal changes. For example, the increase of progesterone and estrogen can temporarily cause the tissues holding your teeth in place to loosen.
How to Care for Your Teeth
The good news is that, for the most part, good dental hygiene is enough to avoid most dental issues:
- Regular Dental Care: Aim to brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash after every meal.
- Regular Dental Visits: Make sure you visit the dentist for a cleaning once every six months.
- Morning Sickness Aftercare: Brushing your teeth after vomiting just rubs acid over your teeth. Instead, rinse with water (add a tiny amount of baking soda to neutralize the acid), wait 30 minutes, and then brush your teeth.
Fixing Dental Issues
It is absolutely okay if something happens to your teeth. Tooth decay, and even tooth loss, can be fixed. Even tooth loss can be fixed to the point where your smile looks like new with implants. Of course, where you get those implants will matter. That’s why you need to invest in a high-quality option. Getting dental implants in Washington DC, for example, means you can choose a clinic that uses CT scans and measurements to safely implant a new tooth while matching your existing smile for the best results.
Conclusion
Your health impacts your baby’s health, so it’s important to be proactive about all areas of your health – including your dental health. If, for any reason, gum disease, tooth decay, or even tooth loss sneaks up on you, do not worry. You simply need to go to a dentist to take care of the problem, and get your old smile back.