Pregnancy is the most delightful period in a woman's life. It is a thrilling, roller-coaster ride, filled with unexpected highs and lows. The condition of your health before you conceive will have a direct impact on you and your baby's well-being once you are pregnant. Hormonal changes cause mood swings and bodily changes which can cause common health problems such as cramps, backache, dizziness and nausea, and heartburn, to name a few. It is also not uncommon to suffer from sensitive teeth during pregnancy. Women who previously never faced any dental issues may become susceptible to sensitive teeth and gums. This is not serious and you can reduce the discomfort by maintaining good oral hygiene.Causes of Sensitive Teeth During Pregnancy
Pregnancy sees a surge in the levels of hormones such as progesterone and estrogen, which increase the flow of blood to all parts of the body. Increased blood flow to the gums makes them softer and vulnerable to inflammation and swelling, which can cause a feeling of tenderness in the mouth and the teeth to become more sensitive and even hurt. This complication can further progress when plaque builds up, rendering gums soft and swollen. This can further lead to bleeding, which may result in the loss of the surrounding ligaments. The gum tissue, which covers the roots of the tooth, begins to recede, and that exposes the dentin, the inner layer of the teeth. This is followed by exposure of the tooth's nerve center, because dentin is not covered by hard enamel unlike the remaining part of the tooth. When you eat anything that's too hot or too cold, it directly affects the tooth, resulting in sharpened sensitivity and pain. If not treated in time, the condition can deteriorate further, resulting in periodontal gingivitis. Severe gum infection ruins the surrounding bones and fibers that hold the tooth in place, eventually resulting in tooth loss.
Periodontal disease, if left untreated, can become a major health concern. It puts the pregnant woman at an increased risk of premature delivery, miscarriage, and low-weight baby. This ailment can also cause tumors on the gums, which are termed as pyogenic granulomas. Speaking, swallowing, chewing, and eating are all hampered by the formation of these tumors, and you will have to visit a dentist for their removal.
