Bad Teeth After Pregnancy: Is It Normal?

Bad Teeth During or After Pregnancy

Why do teeth get worse during and after pregnancy? A lot of it is down to changes in your diet. As a pregnant woman, you need to consume more calories during the nine months you’re pregnant, so there’s a chance that the amount of sugar that’ll be consumed increases, which could have a detrimental effect on your teeth. 

Any woman who’s carried a child before will tell you there’ll be a significant change to your hormones and estrogen levels during pregnancy, which can lead to dental problems during pregnancy and beyond. Your gums might be more susceptible to plaque and this could lead to bleeding and inflammation that can cause pain. However, the ailment might be temporary; the bones and tissue around your teeth can loosen, potentially leading to oral diseases due to spaces where bacteria can infiltrate. 

How Common Is It to Lose Your Teeth During Pregnancy?

It’s implausible that your teeth will fall out while you’re pregnant because being pregnant is not linked to this occurring in any way, but you must stay on top of your oral health.

The good news is that if your dental problems didn’t exist before pregnancy as a pre-existing condition, your teeth should return to the way they were after pregnancy, assuming pregnancy is the only reason for the changes.

Tips for Oral Care During and After Pregnancy

What should you do to care for your teeth during pregnancy and afterwards? Don’t ever skip your routine brushing and flossing, plus use mouthwash regularly to rid your gums of bacteria as often as possible; this reduces the likelihood that periodontitis, for example, will be present in your mouth, which is especially important if your teeth have become slightly looser.

Regular dental appointments are essential at the best of times, but you should consider even more frequent visits when pregnant or post-pregnancy. You might think of putting your oral health to the back of your mind while you’re carrying a child, but it can help you stay free of any oral diseases and cure those you might have.

Remember to eat healthily while you’re pregnant, too. While you’ll need a lot more calories during pregnancy because you’re “eating for two”, that doesn’t mean you can eat anything you like. Instead, eat well by getting all the vitamins and nutrients you need for a healthy lifestyle and less risk of disease for your teeth.

For all there is to know about oral health and care, visit the Pure Smiles website today.