How can our Coorparoo family dental team help you during pregnancy? A guide
It is a time of great joy when you discover that you or your partner are pregnant.
And, amidst the scans, appointments with doctors and meetings with the midwife, there is another medical professional that you should book yourself in to see; a dentist.
Yes, while they are not the first medical professionals most people consider seeing when they are pregnant, pregnancy is a period when a lot can happen to your mouth and your oral health, and it will need careful monitoring by a professional dental team.
When you come to see our team at Brisbane Laser Dentist, our Coorparoo family dental team will be more than happy to guide you through your pregnancy and your postnatal period to ensure that you and your baby are healthy and that your smile remains in good condition too.
So, what issues are more likely to occur during pregnancy that our Coorparoo family dental team can help with? Read on to find out.
Pregnancy gingivitis
This is a form of gum disease that is caused by an increase in hormones during pregnancy. The gums can become swollen, red, and bleed easily. Pregnancy gingivitis can be treated with regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene, which our Coorparoo family dental team will be happy to provide.
Generally, this form of gingivitis vanishes when the baby is born, but it is more likely to occur if you have been diagnosed with it in the past with other pregnancies.
Tooth decay
The increased levels of hormones during pregnancy can also make a woman more susceptible to tooth decay, especially if there are issues relating to fluoride and calcium caused by fluctuating hormones. The extra sugar from morning sickness or cravings can also contribute to this issue too. It is important for pregnant women to maintain good oral hygiene and have regular dental check-ups during pregnancy with our team to prevent tooth decay.
Erosion of tooth enamel
Morning sickness, which is common during pregnancy, can cause acid erosion of tooth enamel. This occurs when stomach acid is brought up into the mouth, and if you have persistent morning sickness, it can be harder to manage the acid damage to your teeth. If this happens, it is important to rinse your mouth with water and neutralise the acidity by drinking a glass of milk if you can.
But if you notice that your teeth are becoming sensitive during your pregnancy and you have severe morning sickness, it may be time to see our team and contact your doctor, as sensitivity that has built up can point to acid erosion as the enamel wears away. It may also be wise to report this to your doctor or midwife so that they can provide you with anti-nausea medication.
Pregnancy tumours
Also known as pregnancy granulomas, these are benign growths that can form on the gums during pregnancy. They are caused by an overgrowth of cells and hormonal imbalances and can bleed easily. They usually resolve themselves after the baby is born, but if you have large ones that are creating issues with your eating or breathing, then please call our team.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.