Sensitive teeth while pregnant are one of the problems associated with pregnancy. But did you know that with pregnancy, there are six typical causes why teeth sensitivity can occur? If you don’t have an idea, you are very fortunate because this article matches your destiny. Meanwhile, these friendly family dentists in St Mary’s are experts in providing dental care for the kids’ oral health.
Generally speaking, tooth sensitivity is sometimes annoying. For example, its sudden jolt while we are eating makes us feel uncomfortable. It even makes us lose our appetite with the food we eat. But what if you are pregnant? How will you manage it? Allow us to help you with that.
Sensitive Teeth While Pregnant
Aside from the miracle of conceiving a child, various changes can happen to a woman’s body. Moreover, several types of discomforts occur as well. One of these sources is the teeth. Although your dentist might have given you a hint about it, it’s different when you already feel it.
But before that, the first thing to do is let your dentist know that you are pregnant. Then, even when you only suspect it, you can give your dentist a heads up about it. In effect, they can adjust your dental care according to your needs as a pregnant woman.
Even though you are pregnant, that doesn’t mean you have a reason to miss out on your dental appointments. By all means, your oral health needs more attention in your condition now. That is why it is essential to let your dentist know about your pregnancy.
But why does tooth sensitivity happens during pregnancy? What are the potential causes why a pregnant develops sensitive teeth? We have discussed it below. Afterward, we will help you with how to manage the sensitivity.
6 Causes of Sensitive Teeth While Pregnant
Here are the typical causes why a pregnant woman experiences tooth sensitivity during her pregnancy.
- Hormonal changes: These hormonal changes usually occurs in a pregnant woman. In actuality, hormonal changes during pregnancy increase blood flow to the gum tissue. As a result, the pregnant woman will have painful and swollen gums.
- Increased blood flow: During pregnancy, the body has to work twice its capacity. It is because of the need to support the baby’s development inside the womb. In this case, the body’s blood flow increases. As mentioned, an increased blood flow will lead to developing swollen gums.
- Gum disease: Pregnancy makes women more prone to developing gum disease. A common condition they develop is pregnancy gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums. In the long run, your tender and swollen gums can bleed while you brush. For this reason, you need to seek medical treatment. Otherwise, it can progress to severe conditions of gum disease.
- Tooth decay: Aside from gum disease, a pregnant woman also has a high risk of developing tooth decay. This higher risk results from increased consumption of carbohydrates than usual and increased acid in the mouth due to morning sickness.
- Pregnancy tumors: A pregnant woman often encounters overgrowth of tissues. The other term for these overgrowths is pregnancy tumors. Additionally, these tumors usually form in the gums during the second trimester.
- Poor oral health practices: Notably, poor oral health practices will affect both the mother and the baby. Additionally, it may lead to preterm birth and low birth weight.
These causes need immediate attention. If the pregnant woman continuously neglects these, the baby will suffer as well. That is why it is essential to maintain proper oral health care even during pregnancy.
Managing Tooth Sensitivity During Pregnancy
In the same way, preventing sensitivity is the same while pregnant. Therefore, we have stated the things a pregnant woman must do to secure excellent oral health care.
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First and foremost, you have to brush and floss your teeth carefully. It would be best to do this at least twice a day.
- Secondly, it will help if you avoid drinking sugary beverages. That includes sodas or sweet teas.
- Next is eating more vegetables and fruits.
- Additionally, it would also help if you rinse your mouth using salt water.
- Moreover, remove alcohol-based mouthwashes from your dental routine.
- Most importantly, always make time for your dental visits. During your pregnancy, your dentist knows how to care for your teeth. It includes caring for the baby inside you.
Sensitivity and discomforts are typical to happen when a woman is pregnant. However, the dentist will still know what to do to address them. So, there is no reason to worry. On the other hand, if the pregnant woman neglects her oral health, various dental problems can occur. Swollen gums and gum disease, in particular, are examples of these dental issues.
Conclusion
Consequently, we cannot remove the fact that pregnancy associates with various health changes. These changes include oral conditions. Besides that, these oral conditions often cause discomfort.
But then again, there is no need for you to endure those oral discomforts. Instead, it would be best to ask your OB/GYN or your dentist for safe medication recommendations. This way, you are sure that you and your baby are both safe.
References:
Is It Safe To Go To the Dentist During Pregnancy?, Mouthhealthy.org, Accessed June 17, 2021, https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/pregnancy/concerns
How to treat sensitive teeth during your pregnancy, Guardiandirect.com, Accessed June 17, 2021, https://www.guardiandirect.com/dental-care/how-treat-sensitive-teeth-during-pregnancy