Just found out you are pregnant? 5 reasons to book a dental appointment today

When you find out you are pregnant, your teeth are probably the last thing on your mind.

However, just as you intend to care for every aspect of your health to ensure a pleasant pregnancy, it is equally important that you look after your teeth during these important nine months.

As your baby grows and develops, your body is going to undergo some rather radical hormonal changes, some of which will leave your skin glowing and others that could cause issues to your gums and teeth.

At Craigentinny, our team has helped multiple women get through their pregnancies with ease, while ensuring that their overall oral health remains at a high level. Our dentists and dental hygienist in Edinburgh will help guide you through any changes that may occur in your mouth due to pregnancy, to keep you and your baby healthy.

But how can pregnancy impact your oral health? Read on to find out.

Pregnancy gingivitis

Gingivitis is a nuisance at the best of times but during pregnancy your chances of developing this condition increases.

Due to your body’s reaction to plaque accumulation, your gums are more likely to become swollen and painful. Not exactly what you need during pregnancy! Regular visits to our dentist and dental hygienist in Edinburgh can quickly identify pregnancy gingivitis, remove any stubborn plaque, and put a treatment plan in place.

Pregnancy granulomas

Another common dental occurrence during pregnancy is the formation of growths in the mouth.

Pregnancy granulomas are usually nothing to worry about and once your pregnancy is over, they will usually resolve on their own. However, if you notice that they are becoming painful or impacting on your ability to eat, book an appointment to see our dentist and dental hygienist in Edinburgh.

Depending on the size and the location of the granuloma, our team will aim to remove it with the use of a localised anesthetic, allowing you to eat and drink as you need to; you are eating for two!

Enamel erosion

In those early months of pregnancy, morning sickness can be a serious pain.
Each time you suffer from sickness, your teeth are being exposed to high concentrations of acid, which often leads to erosion of the enamel.

Seeing a member of our team at Craigentinny can help keep your enamel intact, through the use of fluoride sealants and medicated mouthwash. We can also offer you acid-reducing toothpaste.

Inflammation

Morning sickness, plaque accumulation and stress on the body is the perfect storm, so to speak, for inflammation.

Separate to pregnancy gingivitis, this inflammation can appear under the tongue in the form of ulcers and sores. Not exactly fun! Our team can provide you with anti-inflammatory mouthwash and toothpaste to help keep the inflammation down.

Tooth decay

During pregnancy, due to the aforementioned reasons and the unusual food cravings, you are more likely to suffer from tooth decay.

Be sure to brush thoroughly and visit a member of our team every two months to minimise the risk of decay.