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Pregnancy is both beautiful and full of surprises for the female body. As you are pregnant, your body goes through hormonal, nutritional, and physical changes that directly affect oral health. One of the sudden alterations that many expectant women undergo is tooth sensitivity.
When you experience intense pain during a hot or cold beverage or sweet or even brushing, you are not the only one. Although sensitive teeth during pregnancy are normal, they are most often associated with hormonal and lifestyle changes.
In this blog, we’ll explore why sensitive teeth happen during pregnancy, common symptoms, safe home remedies, and prevention tips to keep your smile healthy throughout these special months.
Tooth sensitivity (in medical terms Dentin hypersensitivity) is a sharp temporary pain that occurs when the inner layer of teeth disrupts and this becomes common in pregnancy due to number of reasons. Following are the causes of sensitive teeth during pregnancy.
Increases in estrogen and progesterone increase the sensitivity of gums, swelling, and inflammation of gums. This may cause pregnancy gingivitis, which causes the roots and one of the major reasons for sensitive teeth during pregnancy.
Recurring vomiting during early pregnancy introduces stomach acids to the mouth. These acids wear away the coating of teeth, the enamel, making the teeth sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods.
The unborn baby also needs calcium to form teeth and bones. Without sufficient consumption of calcium in your diet, your body may take the nutrient out of your teeth and bones, making them weakened and sensitive during pregnancy.
Hormonal changes predispose one to gum infections like gingivitis or periodontitis. Gum recession due to such conditions places on delicate portions of the teeth.
Pregnancy naturally increases blood flow, including to the gums. This is natural, although it may cause your gums to be sensitive and react to any heat change.
If you are pregnant and experiencing tooth sensitivity. Here are symptoms of tooth sensitivity:
Whether you have a toothache, tender gums, or sores. These are home remedies you can use:
A soft-bristle brush will lead to minimized gum irritation and reduction of enamel wear, which minimizes teeth sensitivity.
Sensitive toothpaste can prevent transmitting pain to the nerves. Before switching to other alternatives, consult your dentist and always use fluoride-based toothpaste.
Once you have vomited, swish with water and a teaspoon of baking soda to rinse the stomach acids. Wait to brush after, as the newly weakened enamel will be more likely to wear away.
Include foods with calcium, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, leafy vegetables, and almonds. Also, ensure that you have suitable levels of Vitamin D and magnesium to help calcium absorption.
Drinking lots of water supplies moisture in your mouth, cleans bacteria, and minimizes acid in the mouth. Dehydration is serious issue which can lead to number of other symptoms during pregnancy.
To reduce inflammation and pain in the gums. Rinse your mouth with a cup of warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in warm water).
Select lukewarm meals and snacks, and avoid extremely hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods, which aggravate sensitivity.
Although mild teeth sensitivity during pregnancy could be treated at home, one should not overlook the pain that occurs regularly. Contact your dentist in case you experience:
Cleanings, fillings, or gum infection treatment are safe during most of the pregnancy, especially in the second trimester. Do not forget to notify your dentist that you are pregnant so that they can be cautious about using invasive measures.
Prevention will always be superior to treatment. The proactive steps to offer protection to the teeth and gums during pregnancy are as follows:
Brush twice or more in a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day to get rid of plaque and prevent gum disease.
Make dental visits at least once during pregnancy. A professional cleaning is able to eliminate tartar and indicate the early symptoms of gum disease.
Cut down on sweet snacks and acidic beverages such as soda, citrus juice. Rather, make sure to eat nutritious foods that fortify teeth and bones.
A mouthguard will help save enamel and reduce sensitivity in case you grind your teeth at night (bruxism).
Brushing too aggressively will wear away enamel and cause gum recession. Instead, use strokes lightly.
Healthy teeth and gums are not only essential to you, but to your baby as well during pregnancy. It has been found that gum disease, untreated, poses a threat to premature birth and low birth weight in pregnant women. Through proper oral hygiene measures and sensitivity treatment, you also protect the development of your baby.
Sensitive teeth during pregnancy can be very painful, but with cautious care, pregnant women with sensitive teeth never have to interfere with their lives. With proper oral hygiene, a well-balanced diet, and frequent visits to the dentist, you can learn to manage sensitivity and avoid any problems to keep your smile in good condition during pregnancy.
Q1 Is it normal to have sensitive teeth during pregnancy?
Yes, it is common to have sensitive teeth during pregnancy. It is the normal physiological response to hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Q2 How can I treat tooth sensitivity at home while pregnant?
Use fluoride toothpastes for brushing and avoid eating too hot and cold foods. If your pain is severe you can take the recommended painkillers from your doctor.
Q3 When should I see a dentist during pregnancy?
If you are facing continuous pain, bleeding gums, and swelling, it’s the sign you should visit your Dentist and follow proper care.
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