You’ve probably heard that old wives tale that pregnant women “gain a child and lose a tooth.” Fortunately, it doesn’t hold true for most new moms, but for one UK celebrity, her second pregnancy brought dental problems she’d never imagined.
The UK celeb I’m talking about is Stacey Solomon – she’s an English singer and a TV personality.
During her pregnancy, Solomon says she saw the dentist more than her midwife. She tells The Sun, “My teeth turned a funny color, and I had to have some removed as they were so damaged and I was soon full of fillings. Eventually my teeth had to be replaced with veneers”
How Pregnancy Impacts Dental Health
While cases of dental problems during pregnancy are rare, they do happen. For example, extreme dental erosion could occur due to acids in the mouth from morning sickness. Eroding enamel also leads to the exposure of yellowish dentine — which would explain Solomon’s tooth color change — and severe tooth sensitivity.
If you suffer from morning sickness, it’s best to rinse your mouth with plain, still water after you vomit and avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks between meals. Doing this will prevent acid from attacking your teeth.
But even if you don’t suffer from morning sickness, there are some changes to your oral health that all pregnant women should be aware of. For instance, hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your gums more vulnerable to plaque, leading to inflammation and bleeding.
There are also thought to be links between good gum health and birth outcomes, for example, you may be less likely to have your baby early, or a low birth weight if you have healthy gums.
Preventing Dental Erosion During Pregnancy
To prevent or deal with gum problems, be sure to brush your teeth carefully twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste; reduce your sugar intake and keeping sugary treats to mealtimes only; and visit the dentist regularly.
If you follow this advice, there is no reason to assume that teeth will be ‘damaged’ during pregnancy. And, if you have any concerns during pregnancy, these should be raised with your dentist or hygienist, who can also check your brushing technique.
The good news? Gums usually return to normal following the delivery of your baby and any bleeding and sensitivity should diminish as well.
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