Is teeth sensitivity a sign of sensitivity? When does teeth sensitivity start in pregnancy, did you know? In this blog post, I am going to share all aspects of teeth sensitivity during pregnancy. Tooth sensitivity is a common occurrence in pregnant women. Beginning a couple of months into the pregnancy and continuing until the child is delivered, it can be an irritating issue for some women. How and when does this sensitivity of the teeth begin? Continue reading to learn more about pregnancy-related tooth sensitivity.
Your gums and teeth may be more sensitive during pregnancy. This is because hormones during pregnancy can cause your gums to swell and bleed more easily. Typically, these changes occur during the second trimester. Gum disease can become more severe during pregnancy. An infection of the gums that can cause damage to the bone around your teeth is known as gum disease.
When Does Teeth Sensitivity Start in Pregnancy?
Everyone has heard horror stories about morning sickness, and pregnancy is known to cause swollen feet, back pain, fatigue, and fogginess. However, this pregnancy issue can surprise you when it comes to teeth sensitivity or pain. However, some people are underestimating the prevalence of dental issues during pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis, characterized by bleeding gums and inflammation, may be brought on by this accumulation of plaque. It affects up to 75% of pregnant women, so you are not alone if you suffer from it.
Additionally, you may develop a periodontal disease based on the severity of pregnancy gingivitis. This is a serious infection of the gums that causes tooth loss by destroying the bones that support your teeth. Pregnancy tumors in some women are also brought on by too much plaque. Despite their frightening appearance, these gum growths are not cancerous.
This tissue overgrowth, which typically occurs during the second trimester, can, of course, be cancerous or not, and it can result in tenderness and pain, making it difficult to eat or drink. The good news is that these tumors typically go away when a baby is born.
Pregnancy can also alter your appetite, and it’s perfectly normal to crave certain foods—as if these possibilities weren’t enough. The problem is that you probably won’t want to eat healthy things.
There is a possibility of tooth decay, which can lead to cavities if you constantly reach for snacks that are high in carbohydrates or sugar to satisfy cravings. Additionally, if you suffer from acid reflux or morning sickness, frequent vomiting or the presence of stomach acid in your mouth can gradually cause tooth sensitivity.
Can Sensitive Teeth Be An Early Sign Of Pregnancy?
Due to the rush of hormones during pregnancy, gum swelling and tooth pain are common. Pregnant women are aware of free dental treatment on account of these changes. Teeth are also damaged by stomach acid, which causes morning sickness. If your teeth and gums suddenly hurt, it could be a sign of pregnancy-related hormonal changes. A pregnancy test is the only way to determine if your sore teeth are caused by pregnancy.
If it’s positive, it could be the problem, but a trip to the dentist will tell you for sure if it’s the problem. Pregnancy is a period of excitement and discomfort, and sensitive teeth are just another pain like a sensitive back that requires care.
When Does Teeth Sensitivity Start in Pregnancy? What are the symptoms of it?
Pregnancy-related sensitive teeth typically arise for a variety of reasons. Changes in metabolism can occur during pregnancy, which may increase saliva production. The increase in saliva production, combined with morning sickness, can lead to an erosion of tooth enamel. In addition, as your baby grows, it may exert pressure on a tooth or gum, resulting in sensitivity as well. Consider the following possible causes of sensitive teeth during pregnancy to see if any of them apply to you.
Hormonal Changes
During pregnancy, you may appear radiant and glowing to the outside world, but on the inside, your body is going through a lot of changes. An increase in hormones, which can make your gums more sensitive and inflamed, is one of the main changes. Your body’s levels of estrogen and progesterone typically begin to rise in the early stages of pregnancy, which can make your gums swell and bleed easily. The levels of these hormones will continue to rise throughout your pregnancy, which can cause your gums and teeth to become even more sensitive.
Increased Blood Flow
An increase in blood flow is another change that occurs during pregnancy in your body. Your gums may become more sensitive and inflamed as a result of this increased blood flow. Gum disease may also worsen as a result of increased blood flow. If this is the case, you should speak to your dentist about the best ways to take care of your gums while you’re pregnant.
Morning Sickness
One of the most well-known signs of pregnancy is morning sickness. However, did you know that it can also make your teeth more sensitive? This is because morning sickness-induced stomach acids have the potential to damage tooth enamel. To help safeguard your teeth during morning sickness, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after each episode.
When Does Teeth Sensitivity Start in Pregnancy and How To Deal Sensitive Teeth Pain?
Although not all pregnant women will encounter tooth sensitivity, certain risk factors can increase the possibility. The most well-known reason for tooth awareness during pregnancy is hormonal changes. The changes in your hormones may change the way your body responds to bacteria, which means that bacteria can affect your mouth differently. Due to hormones that can cause tooth pain and sore gums, pregnant women are more prone to developing periodontitis.
You do not have to endure tooth sensitivity or discomfort while you are pregnant. You can take certain measures to make your body feel better. Firstly, try to avoid snacks that are high in sugar. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Also, make a note of the foods that worsen your teeth sensitivity and try to avoid them. You could also try rinsing with salt water. Gargling with salt water thoroughly cleanses your teeth and makes it more difficult for bacteria to grow.
Toothpaste and mouthwashes designed to alleviate tooth sensitivity are available. Consider investing in toothpaste that is formulated for tooth sensitivity. Lastly, if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, making sure that you are following all the recommended oral hygiene practices is likely the most crucial step you can take.
What are the treatments for tooth pain during pregnancy?
If you experience tooth pain that persists, do not suffer in silence. Schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately, and be sure to inform them that you are pregnant. Our Healthline Finds Care tool can assist you in locating local physicians if you do not already have one.
Having dental X-rays and certain dental procedures during pregnancy is safe. However, depending on how far along you are, your dentist may recommend postponing some treatments until at least the second trimester. If you require a filling or a root canal, both of which require local or general anesthesia and may increase the risk of miscarriage during the first trimester, this could occur.
Keep up with your cleaning
To clarify, routine dental cleanings are safe for your baby, so you can continue to schedule them as usual. If you get your teeth cleaned, it can prevent plaque buildup that can cause sensitivity. Cleaning can also treat pregnancy-related gum disease. Your dentist may even suggest more frequent cleanings during pregnancy, such as every three months instead of every six months, due to the increased risk of developing gingivitis.
Get more specific treatments
However, a tumor can sometimes make it difficult to eat. If this is the case, your dentist may consider removal, but you will have to wait until the second or third trimester. Local anesthesia is used to numb the gumline during this procedure. If the periodontal disease develops during pregnancy and your dentist is unable to save a loose tooth, extraction during the second trimester can alleviate pain and sensitivity.