Did you know that more babies are born in September than any other month? Counting back nine months, that tells us that January is the time of year when more women get pregnant than any other time. So, if you’ve just learned you’re having a baby, you’re definitely not alone!

Pregnancy is an exciting time and you’re probably trying to learn all you can about how to care for your baby once they arrive. But for now, we’re concerned with looking after your own dental health in pregnancy. It’s not the first thing most people think of, but pregnancy brings changes that affect your entire body – including your mouth.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Many mums-to-be experience bleeding gums; this is known as pregnancy gingivitis. This is not a cause for alarm, as it’s caused by the hormonal changes in your body. The increase in hormones can inflame your gums if plaque is allowed to accumulate on them, resulting in bleeding. It’s important you continue to brush your teeth and gums thoroughly despite the bleeding. Try using a softer toothbrush and ensure you use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.

Make sure you visit us during your pregnancy to monitor your gums and ensure there are no other issues to be concerned about. After you’ve had your baby and your hormone levels begin to return to normal, your bleeding gums should subside.

If you pay attention to these potential pitfalls, your smile should survive your pregnancy unharmed, but do keep us in the loop just to be sure. So, when you learn you’re pregnant and after making your prenatal appointments, be sure to book in with us for a dental check and hygienist visit. And, once your bundle of joy arrives, be sure to bring them in to see us so we can ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’!

Do you have a specific question?

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