Monday – Friday 8AM – 4PMPregnancy & Oral Health
How Pregnancy Affects Your Oral Health
At Alpine Dental Clinic in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, we understand that pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time — but it can also bring about unexpected changes to your oral health. During pregnancy, hormonal shifts can impact your teeth and gums, making preventive care more important than ever. Our experienced team is here to provide gentle, comprehensive dental support throughout every stage of your pregnancy.
Common Oral Health Changes During Pregnancy
1. Pregnancy Gingivitis
Due to elevated hormone levels, many women experience pregnancy gingivitis — a condition where gums become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding, especially during brushing or flossing. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious periodontal disease.
Fluoride treatments are commonly provided during routine dental checkups and can benefit patients of all ages.
2. Increased Risk of Tooth Decay
Cravings for sugary foods, changes in diet, and morning sickness can all contribute to a higher risk of cavities during pregnancy. Acid exposure from frequent vomiting can also weaken enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay.
3. Pregnancy Tumors
Some women develop small, non-cancerous growths on their gums called pregnancy tumors. These are usually harmless and often disappear after childbirth, but they can cause discomfort and may require monitoring by your dentist.
4. Dry Mouth
Hormonal changes can sometimes lead to reduced saliva production, causing dry mouth. Without sufficient saliva to protect your teeth, you may be more susceptible to cavities and infections.
5. Erosion of Tooth Enamel
Morning sickness and acid reflux can expose your teeth to stomach acids, which can gradually erode the enamel. This erosion increases sensitivity and raises the risk of cavities.
Tips for Protecting Your Oral Health During Pregnancy
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Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
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Rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash after bouts of morning sickness.
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Eat a balanced, low-sugar diet to reduce the risk of cavities.
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Stay hydrated to combat dry mouth.
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Don’t skip your regular dental visits — prevention is key!
How Alpine Dental Clinic Can Help
At Alpine Dental Clinic, we are committed to helping expectant mothers maintain healthy smiles. Our team provides:
Preventative Cleanings and Exams
Regular dental visits during pregnancy can help catch and treat issues early. We recommend scheduling a cleaning during the second trimester when it is safest and most comfortable.
Treatment for Pregnancy Gingivitis
If you’re experiencing swollen or bleeding gums, our team can offer professional cleanings and gum care strategies to reduce inflammation and protect your oral health.
Personalized Oral Health Guidance
We’ll give you tailored advice on managing common concerns like nausea, dry mouth, and cravings, and we’ll help you build a pregnancy-safe oral hygiene routine.
Monitoring and Managing Dental Concerns
Whether it’s evaluating pregnancy tumors or recommending enamel-protective measures, we’re here to ensure any pregnancy-related dental changes are carefully monitored and treated when necessary.
Your Trusted Partner for Pregnancy Dental Care
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, we encourage you to book an appointment with Alpine Dental Clinic. Our caring team will work closely with you to maintain your oral health, providing safe, preventative care tailored to the unique needs of pregnancy.
Contact Alpine Dental Clinic today to schedule your check-up or to learn more about how we can support your smile during this exciting time.
