Many pregnant women experience teeth sensitivity. Starting a few months into the pregnancy and lasting until the baby is born, it can be a bothersome issue for some women. What causes this teeth sensitivity, and when does it start? Keep reading to find out more about teeth sensitivity during pregnancy.
In pregnancy, your teeth and gums may feel more sensitive. This is because pregnancy hormones can make your gums swell and bleed more easily. These changes usually happen in the second trimester (weeks 13 to 27). If you have gum disease, it can get worse during pregnancy. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can damage the bone around your teeth.
As well as pregnant women are more susceptible to plaque build-up and gingivitis (mild gum disease), which can lead to more serious periodontal disease. If you think you might have gum disease, see your dentist as soon as possible. Tooth sensitivity during pregnancy is usually temporary and goes away after you have your baby. But the question is when does this increased sensitivity start? Don’t worry. In this blog, we will explore when teeth sensitivity starts in pregnancy.
In This Article
How does your teeth sensitivity feel start in early pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a time of changes to your body. Some of these changes can cause new and different sensations in your mouth. One of these is increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods. Your teeth may feel more sensitive because of the increased blood flow to your gums. Your gums may also be more tender and prone to bleeding. All of these changes are normal and usually resolve after pregnancy.
Though your teeth sensitivity starts in early pregnancy, it may not be noticeable until your second trimester. If you are experiencing teeth sensitivity, there are a few things you can do to help ease the discomfort. Avoiding some foods and brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush can help. Taking care of your mouth and teeth during this time is important for your overall health and well-being. If you are concerned about your teeth or gum sensitivity, talk to your dentist or healthcare provider.
What causes of sensitive teeth during pregnancy?
Generally, sensitive teeth during pregnancy are caused by multiple reasons. During pregnancy, the way your body metabolizes changes and this can lead to an increase in the production of saliva. The increase in saliva production coupled with morning sickness can lead to an erosion of tooth enamel. Additionally, as your baby grows, it can put pressure on a tooth and gum which can also lead to sensitivity. Look at the below causes of sensitive teeth during pregnancy and see if any resonate with you.
1. Hormonal changes
To the outside world, you may look like you’re glowing and radiating during pregnancy but on the inside, your body is going through a lot of changes. One of the key changes is an increase in hormones which can cause your gums to become more inflamed and sensitive. Generally, the estrogen and progesterone levels in your body start to increase during the early stages of pregnancy and this can cause your gums to swell and bleed easily. As your pregnancy progresses, the levels of these hormones will continue to increase and this can lead to even more sensitivity in your teeth and gums.
2. Increased blood flow
Another change that your body goes through during pregnancy is an increase in blood flow. This increased blood flow can cause your gums to become more inflamed and sensitive. Additionally, the increased blood flow can also lead to an increase in gum disease. If you find this then talk with your dentist to get the best way to take care of your gums during pregnancy.
3. Morning sickness
Morning sickness is one of the most well-known symptoms of pregnancy. However, did you know that it can also cause your teeth to become more sensitive? The reason for this is that the stomach acids that are produced during morning sickness can wear away at your tooth enamel. If you are suffering from morning sickness, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water after each episode to help protect your teeth.
4. Gum disease
Unfortunately, pregnancy can also lead to an increase in gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding. For you and your baby’s safety, it is important to get this checked out by your dentist as soon as possible.
How to Deal with Sensitive Teeth During Pregnancy?
Additionally, to deal with teeth sensitivity, you can do many things to make your smile look great, despite the increased sensitivity. Below we have outlined some of them for you and they are:
1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth. This will help to not aggravate your gums and will also be gentle on your sensitive teeth. Brushing your teeth twice a day is still recommended, but you may want to consider using toothpaste for sensitive teeth as well.
2. Avoid acidic foods and drinks
Acidic foods and drinks can cause your teeth to become more sensitive. So, it is best to avoid them if you are dealing with this issue. Some examples of acidic foods and drinks include citrus fruits, tomatoes, soda, coffee, and wine. In fact, hot and cold temperatures can also make your teeth more sensitive, so be sure to avoid extreme temperatures as well.
3. Use fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste can help to reduce the sensitivity of your teeth. Again, be sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles when brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. You can also ask your dentist about getting a fluoride treatment, which can help to reduce the sensitivity of your teeth even further.
4. Visit your dentist regularly
Visiting your dentist on a regular basis is always important, but it is especially important if you are dealing with sensitive teeth. Your dentist can help to identify the cause of your sensitivity and can also provide you with treatment options to help reduce the sensitivity.
5. Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking
After eating or drinking, be sure to rinse your mouth with water. This will help to remove any acids or sugars that may be on your teeth, which can help to reduce the sensitivity of your teeth.
The Bottom line
Therefore, tooth sensitivity during pregnancy can be a very early sign of pregnancy, or it can occur later on as the baby grows and puts pressure on the mother’s teeth and gums. It is important to see a dentist if you are experiencing any tooth sensitivity during pregnancy so that they can check for any underlying problems and give you the appropriate treatment. Sensitive teeth and gums are usually nothing to worry about, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. Thanks for reading! we hope this article was helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
