An old wive’s tale claims: Gain a child, lose a tooth. While this is not exactly true, I found out first hand (and second hand – through my patients!) what kind of impact your pregnancy could have on your teeth.
In my second trimester, I started to notice my gums feeling a bit sore and swollen. After looking in the mirror and seeing the redness, I knew what this was from my experience being a dentist.
There are several possible conditions I could be at risk for since my hormones levels were so out of control. I had something called “Pregnancy Gingivitis”, which I had all the symptoms for: red, swollen gums. My advice, as a dentist and pregnant woman – Brushing AND flossing twice a day!!
Luckily, my case didn’t end up progressing any further, but I do want to inform you about ‘Pregnancy Tumors’ (not as scary as it sounds – don’t worry!) and Periodontitis. If you start to notice an unusual feeling or appearance of your gums, I think it’s definitely best to visit your dentist! Who would have thought that being pregnant could have such an impact on my gums?
Pregnancy and Me 