You might know the most common effects of pregnancy and early motherhood, including weight gain, low vitamin and iron levels, and fatigue. However, there are some side effects that are much less talked about, such as hair loss and dental problems. If you have noticed that motherhood has had a noticeable impact on your teeth, or you are concerned about this possibility, here is what you need to know if you are looking to get pregnant- or already have your child with you.
In This Article
How does pregnancy affect your teeth?
When you are pregnant, you will experience a lot of hormonal changes that can impact your mood, your energy levels, and even your decision-making. These same hormones can also impact the strength of your gums and teeth. You might find that you are more prone to tooth decay, which can be made worse by morning sickness, and tooth loss and that you have symptoms similar to gum disease, such as bleeding gums. In some cases, your cravings might damage your teeth. This can make you conscious about your smile and speaking and can add to the burden of worries that you might already be experiencing during pregnancy.
Is it reversible?
The hormonal changes that you have experienced during pregnancy will usually disappear after the event, and you might notice your teeth begin to regain their strength afterward. Your gums will be less prone to irritation, and you might not lose any more teeth. However, you will still have long-term effects if you have lost teeth during pregnancy.
Can motherhood affect your pearly whites?
Although most of the symptoms of pregnancy will disappear once your baby has been born, early motherhood can also affect your teeth in a number of ways. For instance, you might find that any medication that you are on causes dry mouth or tooth discoloration, and that you are unable to look after your body- and your teeth- as well as you used to, especially if you are struggling with the demands of your newborn or post-partum depression. The food that you regularly consume might also change as you look for quick energy boosts and fast meals, and any excess sugar or salt can speed up the rate of decay and plaque growth in your mouth.
What can you do?
If you are struggling with your teeth during or after your pregnancy, it is always important to seek the advice of a specialist. They will be able to recommend solutions through their years of experience, including with pregnant or post-partum women. You can always ask for a female dentist if you feel more comfortable with them, and you should always tell your dentist about your pregnancy, underlying conditions, or any medication you are on. If you need treatment, or just a check-up and some advice, you should seek out a private dentist in Balham.
It is also paramount that you take pains to care for your teeth better during this period. You should take the vitamins and minerals that you need to support your dental health, as well as brush your teeth once a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss them. You should consider your diet, drink enough water, and try not to eat or drink for half an hour after you have brushed. This will allow you to prevent any problems from occurring.