Pregnancy and Oral Health

During pregnancy, nearly everything in your body goes through changes and that includes your teeth and gums. Dr. Navid Rahimpour, DDS and Dr. Faranak Rahimpour, DDS of Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO want our pregnant patients to know how to keep good oral health during these changes.

Pregnancy causes a big increase in hormones that can affect your teeth and gums. The extra hormones present can cause your gums to be more sensitive to plaque. Your gums can even become puffy, red, and irritated. This condition is known as “pregnancy gingivitis”. Pregnancy gingivitis should clear up after the baby is born, but left alone, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. This may be able to be avoided with more frequent home oral care and professional dental cleanings. It’s important to schedule an appointment with us if you think you are developing gum disease.

Cavities are also at an increased risk due to change in behavior during pregnancy. Being pregnant means you will be eating more carbohydrates than normal, which means the teeth are being introduced to a lot more sugar. Also, the increased frequency of acid in the mouth from morning sickness can wear away enamel, making teeth prone to cavities.

If you are pregnant or plan to be pregnant, ask us about what can be done to be proactive about your oral health. It is important for both you and your baby. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Navid Rahimpour, DDS or Dr. Faranak Rahimpour, DDS of Southern Cross Dental, call our Colorado Springs, CO office at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com.