Are Teeth more Sensitive during Pregnancy?

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When you are pregnant, there are a range of physiological changes which happen not only to your body, but to your mouth and gums as well. It is typical for many women to experience bleeding, sensitive or inflamed gums during pregnancy which may be a sign of gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. In most cases, these changes to the mouth won't cause many problems however in some cases they may signal a more serious issue; periodontal disease.

Gum disease can affect both the expecting mother and her unborn child. If left untreated, periodontal disease and the resulting infections may cause complications such as low birth weight or premature birth. If you are experiencing any gum problems then make sure you visit your dentist so you can have your teeth and gums examined and get any dental issues out of the way long before delivery.

The reasons behind the changes in the expecting mother's mouth are down to hormonal changes occurring throughout the body. These can often have the effect of softening the tissues in the mouth which can contribute to tooth sensitivity and bleeding. There is also increased blood circulation during pregnancy which may increase the swelling in the gums and sensitivity in the mouth. It is often advised that pregnant women switch to a softer tooth brush which will be gentler on their sensitive gums. You can also keep your gums and teeth healthy with regular brushing and flossing which should help reduce the impact of symptoms.

Make sure you to try and brush at least twice a day and floss every time you brush. Waxed flosses are often favoured, especially when gums are sensitive. Try and limit the amount of sugary foods and drinks you ingest as these can often cause the symptoms of gingivitis to worsen.

Read more in the Dental Treatment Information Guide »

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