There are so many changes that happen to a woman's body when she is pregnant. One of the lesser known effects of pregnancy is dental issues.
According to the HuffPost UK, Stacey Solomon has opened up about how her second pregnancy caused her to have serious dental problems. She even shared that she believes she saw her dentist more than her midwife during her pregnancy. It is worth noting Solomon did not have any of these problems with her first pregnancy, they only cropped up the second time around. The mother of two also revealed that her teeth became so damaged, she had to have some removed.
When Dr. Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, heard Solomon's story he reached out to HuffPost UK to share his insight. He clarified he had never heard of such a drastic case of dental issues during pregnancy until he heard Solomon's story. Carter clarified that although pregnancy can cause dental issues, her story is a rare exception.
However, just because this case is not the norm does not mean pregnant women can't suffer from tooth-related problems that are serious, painful, and frustrating. Carter said he believes the problems stem from acids in the mouth due to morning sickness. The acid eats away at the enamel in teeth, leaving them exposed and sensitive.
There are ways to prevent dental issues when pregnant, especially if you’re suffering from morning sickness. One way is to rinse out your mouth with plain water after you vomit. Another is to avoid sugary or acid-filled snacks while suffering from morning sickness.
Even if you don't have morning sickness, Carter has advice to ensure that there are no dental issues during pregnancy. All of the different hormone changes a pregnant woman goes through can impact her gums, meaning that bleeding and irritation may occur. One way to prevent gum bleeding is to brush the teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, visit a dentist regularly, and avoid sugary snacks. It seems that sugar is one big factor in possible dental problems during pregnancy (and all of the time, really).
Dental issues can happen during pregnancy. However, as with any other bodily changes a woman goes through when pregnant, it is important to be informed and do whatever you can to stay healthy.
Did you experience dental problems while pregnant? Let us know your story in the comments!