Are you thinking of getting pregnant and wondering if you’ll have a problem with tooth loss during pregnancy?
Tooth loss during pregnancy might be unexpected for expecting mothers, but it does happen on occasion. As health care providers, it’s our duty to explain to our patients about the reasons for this health phenomenon.
Many women do have tooth loss during pregnancy, but there are many reasons behind it, so it isn’t all bad.
If you want to know more about why this happens, keep reading.
Hormonal Changes
When a woman is pregnant, her hormones change, which can cause her to lose teeth. Because of the rush of hormones, a pregnant woman’s salivary glands work harder, which makes them make more saliva than usual.
This saliva is full of lactic and citric acids, which eat away at the enamel on the outside of the teeth. This makes the teeth sensitive and can lead to tooth loss if you do nothing. Changes in diet can also cause erosion. For example, women may crave too many sugary foods, which can cause their teeth to rot.
It’s best to go to the dentist to prevent and treat any tooth problems that may come up because of the changes in hormones as pregnancy side effects.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding can be a significant factor in tooth loss during this time. It is a common symptom experienced due to hormonal changes and the stress of the new situation that can lead to teeth grinding.
The pressure of grinding can weaken the enamel, causing the teeth to become compromised. Expectant mothers must understand the importance of keeping their teeth healthy and be aware of any changes in their oral health.
Neglected teeth grinding can lead to severe enamel damage, increasing the risk of tooth loss upper or lower. The best tactic is to detect signs of teeth grinding early on and receive professional care and help in keeping teeth healthy and strong during pregnancy.
If it happens that you need to replace a set of teeth, you may check this all on 4 dental implants instead of replacing your teeth one by one.
Poor Dental Hygiene
Poor dental hygiene can mean failing to brush, floss, and have regular dental checkups. It can also mean diet choices that are high in sugar and carbohydrates.
These diet choices can increase the production of acids in the mouth and plaque, destroying the enamel on the teeth. If you have an eroded enamel, the dentin is more exposed and prone to decay, leading to eventual tooth loss and have dental implants.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection caused by bacteria building up around the teeth and gums. When a pregnant woman has gum disease, her gums swell, reducing the support for the teeth and leading to more slipping and shifting.
Also, the weak immune system of a mother during pregnancy, makes it difficult to fight off the bacteria that cause gum disease. The hormones associated with pregnancy can also increase sensitivity in the gums, making them more irritable and causing more swelling.
Avoid Tooth Loss During Pregnancy
You may avoid tooth loss during pregnancy through good dental habits such as brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. Make sure to schedule regular checkups with your dentist to stay on top of any changes in your oral health.
Keeping your teeth healthy can help prevent tooth loss and make pregnancy more comfortable. Take the necessary precautions now for a brighter and healthier smile!
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