The gums become more fragile
By altering the hormonal balance, pregnancy weakens all tissues.
The gums are not spared: they become more swollen, sometimes painful. And when faced with bacteria, natural defenses are weakened. That's why you might experience bleeding after biting into an apple or brushing your teeth.
This inflammation must be treated quickly to avoid adverse effects on your oral hygiene. If you're tempted to brush your teeth less thoroughly to prevent bleeding, tartar will have ample opportunity to build up, accelerating the risk of periodontal disease. To make brushing more pleasant, choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and change your toothpaste if your usual one suddenly tastes unpleasant: this is another surprising but common side effect of pregnancy!
Nausea can attack the enamel
When nausea and vomiting occur frequently, the pH of the mouth becomes more acidic. This leads to accelerated wear of your tooth enamel, causing it to lose its shine and become more porous.
Treating your nausea is just as important for maintaining a beautiful smile. To neutralize this induced acidity, it's best to rinse your mouth with a fluoride formula recommended by your dentist (or with a glass of water and a little baking soda) rather than immediately using a toothbrush and toothpaste: some toothpastes can increase acidity, and brushing can trigger… more nausea!
It is imperative to avoid infections
Good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist will help prevent or quickly treat an infection. An infection isn't always limited to the tooth; it can, by traveling through the nerve, spread to the heart, eyes, and muscles, including the cardiac muscle.
If in doubt or at the slightest suspicion, do not wait to make an appointment.
The skeleton must be protected
Did you know that?
The jaw is the body's primary moving joint. It determines overall balance, and bruxism—frequent teeth grinding, especially at night—is a source of joint pain. A poor bite (misaligned teeth or a poorly fitting jaw) can cause tension in the top of the skull, the cervical spine, the back, and the hips, ultimately affecting the balance of your entire skeleton. Since your back will be under considerable strain during pregnancy, it's important not to delay. A panoramic dental X-ray is therefore recommended to ensure everything is in order.
Otherwise, the dentist may prescribe wearing a night guard. Perhaps not the most glamorous option, but… very effective!
