How Pregnancy Affects Your Teeth

Dr. Lucia Gerstmann, Dr. Marlina Shah, DDS. Buckeye Pediatric Dentistry. Special Needs/Sensory Dentistry, General Anesthesia in a Comfortable Setting, Infant Oral Health, Smile Whitening, Extractions, Accident & Injury Services. Pediatric Dentist in Reynoldsburg, OH 43068.
pregnant woman brushes her teeth

What Does a Kid’s Cavity Look Like?

As parents, we often associate a cavity in our child’s tooth with visible signs like discoloration or pain. However, the reality is that cavities can sometimes go unnoticed until they reach an advanced stage. Your pediatric dentist in Reynoldsburg is here to help you understand what a cavity in kids

Read More »

A Guide to Reducing Sugar Intake for Kids During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and, let’s face it, indulging in delicious treats. While it’s perfectly normal to enjoy some festive sweets, it’s essential to be mindful of the impact excessive sugar can have on kids’ oral health. Your pediatric dentist in Reynoldsburg knows that

Read More »

How Colds and The Flu Impact Kids’ Oral Health

The changing seasons often bring with them an unwelcome guest – the cold and flu viruses. While the physical toll on children is widely known, what many parents may not realize is that these common illnesses can also have a significant impact on their oral health. Join your pediatric dentist

Read More »

How Pregnancy Affects Your Teeth

As any mom knows, the body can go through a lot of changes during pregnancy, from changes in hormones to fluid retention and swelling. But did you know that pregnancy can also affect mom’s oral health, as well as the health of your baby? Join your pediatric dentist in Reynoldsburg as we share how pregnancy affects your teeth and why regular dental care is so important, especially while pregnant.

Your Pregnancy & Your Teeth

Some women can develop dental problems during pregnancy. These problems are most often due to changes in hormones but can also be caused by morning sickness, increased cravings for sugary sweets, and sensitivity to gagging while brushing. Let’s take a closer look at how each of these can affect your teeth.

Hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy can increase mom-to-be’s chances of developing gum disease. Even though most cases of pregnancy-related gum disease resolve on their own, it’s important to see your dentist if symptoms of gum disease remain after giving birth. If not treated, gum disease can lead to other problems throughout the body. Some symptoms of gum disease include swollen, red, and bleeding gums.

Morning sickness is the common way to explain vomiting during pregnancy despite the fact that morning sickness can happen at any time of the day. This repeated vomiting exposes teeth to damaging stomach acids which can wear away enamel and increase the risk of decay.

Food cravings during pregnancy is another thing that can affect teeth. While some women will crave unusual foods, others will want to eat traditional food choices. However, if these cravings are for sugary sweets, it can lead to cavities.

Gagging with brushing your teeth is also something that affects many pregnant women. However, your pediatric dentist in Reynoldsburg wants you to know that it’s still absolutely crucial to brush and floss your teeth every day. Brushing your teeth using a smaller toothbrush or brushing more slowly can help.

Your Oral Health & Your Baby

Your pediatric dentist in Reynoldsburg is committed to caring for your baby’s teeth and overall health, and the truth is, sometimes that means doing what we can to make sure that mom takes care of her oral health during pregnancy. In fact, studies show a correlation between pregnant women who have gum disease and low birth weight or premature babies, both of which can put babies at increased risk for other health problems. While gum disease can, and should, be treated during pregnancy, it’s always recommended that you try to resolve any active infection prior to getting pregnant.

The best way to protect your teeth and your developing baby during pregnancy is to take care of your oral health. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and see your dentist regularly, including while pregnant. And once your baby arrives, make sure he sees his pediatric dentist in Reynoldsburg no later than his first birthday. Early dental visits help set your child up for a lifetime of good dental health.

Skip to content