Menu
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctors
      • Dr. Rick Barfield
    • Meet the Team
    • Why Choose Us
    • Tour Our Office
    • Community Involvement
    • FAQ
  • Our Dental Services
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Invisalign
      • Dental Veneers
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Dental Implants
      • All-on-4 Dental Implants
      • Mini Dental Implants
    • Family Dentistry
    • General Dentistry
      • Dental Cleanings and Exams
      • Tooth Decay Prevention
      • Gum Disease Treatment
      • Dental Mouthguards
    • Restorative Dentistry
      • Tooth Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental Crowns and Bridges
      • Dentures
    • Oral Surgery
      • Tooth Removal/Extractions
      • Wisdom Teeth Removal
    • Dental Emergencies
    • Relieving Dental Anxiety
      • Sedation Options
    • TMJ Treatment
      • Migraine and Headache Solutions
    • Snoring and Sleep Apnea Solutions
  • Patient Testimonials
  • Patient Resources
    • Patient Forms
    • Payment Options
    • Specials and Promotions
    • I’m Embarrassed to Smile
    • I’m Having a Hard Time Chewing
    • I’m in Pain or Have Discomfort
  • Blog
  • Search
  • Contact Us
MENU
Contact Us
Call Today972-905-9266 Request an Appointment
1300 Village Creek Dr., Plano, TX 75093
Call Today972-905-9266 Request an Appointment
1300 Village Creek Dr., Plano, TX 75093
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctors
      • Dr. Rick Barfield
    • Meet the Team
    • Why Choose Us
    • Tour Our Office
    • Community Involvement
    • FAQ
  • Our Dental Services
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Invisalign
      • Dental Veneers
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Dental Implants
      • All-on-4 Dental Implants
      • Mini Dental Implants
    • Family Dentistry
    • General Dentistry
      • Dental Cleanings and Exams
      • Tooth Decay Prevention
      • Gum Disease Treatment
      • Dental Mouthguards
    • Restorative Dentistry
      • Tooth Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental Crowns and Bridges
      • Dentures
    • Oral Surgery
      • Tooth Removal/Extractions
      • Wisdom Teeth Removal
    • Dental Emergencies
    • Relieving Dental Anxiety
      • Sedation Options
    • TMJ Treatment
      • Migraine and Headache Solutions
    • Snoring and Sleep Apnea Solutions
  • Patient Testimonials
  • Patient Resources
    • Patient Forms
    • Payment Options
    • Specials and Promotions
    • I’m Embarrassed to Smile
    • I’m Having a Hard Time Chewing
    • I’m in Pain or Have Discomfort
  • Blog
  • Search
Home > Blog > How Pregnancy Affects Your Dental Health

How Pregnancy Affects Your Dental Health

February 15, 2018
Preventative Orthodontics Adults 3 | 1st in Smiles - Dentist Plano, TX

Pregnancy is an exciting time. There’s so much to plan and look forward to — the nursery, the baby shower, parenthood itself — but it’s also a time of change. Over the course of nine months, your entire body adapts and responds to the life inside of you, and it prepares to welcome your little one into the world. And of course, your smile is no exception!

Your gums will become more sensitive to bacteria, and your teeth will become more vulnerable to decay. So, when you’re expecting, it’s important to have a team of compassionate dental professionals there to support you!

At 1st In Smiles, you’ll find just that. Our team can help you keep your smile healthy over the course of your pregnancy and beyond! We offer comprehensive dental checkups and professional cleanings that reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Plus, we strive to provide high-quality care in a stress-free setting.

Read on for what you can expect oral health-wise when you’re expecting. Then, partner with the team at 1st In Smiles in Plano, TX. Call us at 972-905-9266 to schedule an appointment.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Hormonal changes can make you more vulnerable to gum disease, which is why about 40 percent of women experience “pregnancy gingivitis” between their second and eighth months of pregnancy.

Gingivitis is a mild infection of the gums, marked by inflammation of the gum tissue. When food particles linger along and below the gumline, it attracts infection-causing bacteria. This causes plaque, a sticky film of bacterial buildup, to form, which irritates the gum tissue.

Some of the signs of gingivitis include:

  • Gums that bleed when you floss or brush
  • Gums that are red in color
  • Gums that are tender or swollen

Unfortunately, pregnancy gingivitis can also worsen pre-existing gum disease, which is why it’s important to continue seeing your dentist for checkups and cleanings. At 1st In Smiles, we offer non-surgical gum disease treatments such as scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that removes bacterial buildup from the gumline.

Regular flossing also helps keep pregnancy gingivitis at bay. The American Dental Association recommends flossing once a day to remove food particles that might otherwise lead to bacterial buildup.

Properly preventing and treating gum disease while you’re pregnant may also prevent complications during your birth. Some studies suggest that unmanaged gum disease has been linked to premature births and low birth weights, according to the American Academy of Periodontology.

Morning Sickness And Tooth Decay

The good news? Morning sickness usually subsides after the first trimester of pregnancy. The bad news? It’s something nearly all women experience during pregnancy, and it increases your risk of tooth decay.

That’s because spells of morning sickness expose your teeth to the acids in your stomach. And though tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, acidic substances are its kryptonite. Acids substances weaken the enamel, making it more likely that you’ll get cavities.

It might be tempting to brush your teeth right after a bout of nausea, but brushing immediately afterward can actually make the problem worse by spreading the acids around. Instead, try rinsing your mouth with a solution of baking soda and water. Then, wait half an hour before you brush as usual.

It’s also a good idea to use a fluoridated toothpaste if you’re not doing so already. Fluoride helps strengthen your enamel, so it’s generally a good idea and especially so if you’re experiencing morning sickness.

Increased Sensitivity To Smells And Tastes

Starting in the first trimester, you might find that certain smells and tastes that you never gave a second thought to now make you nauseous. It often happens with foods, but it can also happen with toiletries — like toothpaste, for instance. It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to find that brushing their teeth all of a sudden makes them gag.

But before you swear off dental hygiene, try switching up your toothpaste. While mint-flavored toothpaste might offend you, you might find that cinnamon or even bubble gum flavors work just fine. You can also try using a toothbrush with a smaller head that’s less likely to trigger your gag reflex.

Comfortable Care For Moms-To-Be

It’s always important to prioritize your oral health since your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. But it’s especially important to do so when you’re expecting!

For comfortable care during the next nine months and beyond, partner with the caring team at 1st In Smiles! Call us at 972-905-9266, or use our convenient online form to request an appointment.

Get Our Free E-Book
Get Our Free E-Book

Find out how to get a Hollywood Smile! Fill out the form below for instant access

Read Our Patient Testimonials
Rate Us
Call Today to Make an Appointment 972-905-9266 Request an Appointment
1300 Village Creek Dr., Plano, TX 75093
  • Mon: 7am - 6pm
  • Tue: 7am - 5pm
  • Wed: 7am - 5pm
  • Thu: 7am - 6pm
  • Fri: 7am - 5pm
  • Sat: 7am - 2pm
  • Sun: Closed
Call Today to make an Appointment 972-905-9266 Request an Appointment

Location

1300 Village Creek Dr., Plano, TX 75093

Office Hours

  • Monday 7am - 6pm
  • Tuesday 7am - 5pm
  • Wednesday 7am - 5pm
  • Thursday 7am - 6pm
  • Friday 7am - 5pm
  • Saturday 7am - 2pm
  • Sunday Closed

Latest Blog Articles

5 Reasons to Come to Us for Your Dental Implant Treatment

If your missing teeth are affecting your smile – and your life – make 2023 the year you do something ...

Read More
Find Out What’s in Your Toothpaste

You're most likely aware that you should brush your teeth twice daily to keep cavities and gum disease away. But have ...

Read More
Call Today to make an Appointment 972-905-9266 Request an Appointment

Location

1300 Village Creek Dr., Plano, TX 75093

Office Hours

  • Monday 7am - 6pm
  • Tuesday 7am - 5pm
  • Wednesday 7am - 5pm
  • Thursday 7am - 6pm
  • Friday 7am - 5pm
  • Saturday 7am - 2pm
  • Sunday Closed

Latest Blog Articles

5 Reasons to Come to Us for Your Dental Implant Treatment

If your missing teeth are affecting your smile – and your life – make 2023 the year you do something ...

Read More
Find Out What’s in Your Toothpaste

You're most likely aware that you should brush your teeth twice daily to keep cavities and gum disease away. But have ...

Read More
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Patient Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Site Index

© 2023 1st in Smiles | All Rights Reserved |Privacy & ADA Accessibility Guide|Sitemap

*Results May Vary By Individuals