A common myth circulated amongst pregnant people is that they will lose a tooth for every child they bear. Though this particular old wives' tale is patently false, pregnancy can have a negative impact on your oral health. Here are two issues you may experience during pregnancy and what you can do to avoid or treat them.
Pyogenic Granuloma
Pryogenic granuloma, often inaccurately called pregnancy tumor, is a non-cancerous growth that appears on the gums. They are somewhat common, occurring in about 1 to 5 percent of pregnancies, and they usually manifest around the second trimester.
Despite their inapt name, pregnancy tumors are not harmful or malignant. However, they can cause discomfort and may turn into ulcers or bleed. Depending on their location and size, these growths can make it difficult to eat, swallow, or speak, and may make you feel too self-conscious to smile.
The exact cause of pyogenic granuloma is unknown, though researchers suspect the fluctuation of hormones that occurs during pregnancy may contribute. Poor oral hygiene, gingivitis, and plaque can increase your chances of getting pregnancy tumors, so it's critical that you adhere to a strict dental care regimen of brushing, flossing, and using a medicated mouthwash to minimize your chances of developing them.
Pregnancy tumors can easily be removed via surgery. Typically, doctors prefer to cut the growth out using a surgical knife. However, laser and cryosurgery are equally effective and may result in less scar tissue forming. It's best to consult with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you while you're pregnant.
Tooth Erosion
It's not unusual for pregnant women to experience morning sickness. However, frequent vomiting can result in the loss of tooth enamel. This is because when you regurgitate, you're also bringing up gastric acid in addition to any food in your stomach. This acid can cause the enamel to soften, and you may accidentally brush some of it away if you clean your teeth right after throwing up. Loss of tooth enamel can lead to a host of oral health problems, such as sensitive teeth and cavities.
Tooth enamel is not replaceable. So to minimize the loss, it's important to wait at least 60 minutes to brush your teeth after vomiting. Instead, rinse your mouth with a mix of baking soda and water (or chew on antacids tablets and swish with water) to neutralize the acid. If you still have a bad taste in your mouth afterwards, rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash instead of brushing.
To avoid other oral health issues while pregnant, talk to a local dentist like those represented at http://www.silveradofamilydental.com.
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