Visiting our dentist in Manchester during your pregnancy
Pregnancy is an exciting time for women; you may be busy ticking off endless tasks before the baby arrives and going to appointments, making it easy for you to put your dental health at the end of your to-do list or even forget about it. At Droylsden Road Dental Practice, we must stress how important it is to pay attention to your teeth and gums during this special time so that your teeth can remain their healthiest and you can keep your baby safe and well.
What can happen to your teeth during pregnancy?
You must take extra care of your teeth and visit our dentist in Manchester throughout your pregnancy. During pregnancy, your levels of progesterone can increase up to ten times higher than usual, thereby affecting its response to toxins, which makes you more vulnerable to oral diseases such as pregnancy gingivitis or periodontal disease. It is also common for pregnant women to develop growths on their gums known as pregnancy granulomas; these are red and painful nodules located on the upper gums. Some women experience severe sickness throughout their pregnancy, known as hyperemesis gravidarum; this can result in complete tooth erosion due to constant exposure to stomach acid from severe vomiting. During pregnancy, you would also be more susceptible to cavities due to changes in eating habits; you may find yourself craving more sugary drinks and snacks, which can increase your risk of developing cavities. The presence of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth could transmit to your baby after they are born. If any of these symptoms are detected early, they can be treated, and further damage can be prevented; therefore, we highly encourage that you visit our dentist in Manchester to rule out any issues.
How to prevent issues during pregnancy
Most dental issues that occur during pregnancy are preventable if the necessary precautions are taken. To avoid developing any dental diseases, it is important that you visit our dentist in Manchester for thorough dental checks during your pregnancy. In doing so, our dentist can advise you on how to take good care of your teeth throughout your pregnancy and identify whether you are presenting any early signs of dental diseases, treating them before they progress.
Maintaining good oral hygiene at home is essential throughout your pregnancy in order to guarantee that your teeth and gums remain as healthy as possible. This can be achieved by brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste or more regularly if you are suffering from pregnancy sickness symptoms. Additionally, it is important to continue flossing to clean the spaces between your teeth that a brush may not reach. Regular snacking increases the amount of acid in your mouth, so it is better to replace them with whole meals, which will inevitably keep you fuller for longer while protecting your teeth at the same time. It is common to crave sugary foods and drinks during your pregnancy; however, we advise that you substitute your cravings with healthier options, such as fruits, to ensure you maintain a healthy diet while also protecting your teeth from decay.