Advertisement
Pregnancy

Will my teeth become more sensitive during my pregnancy?

We asked the expert how to keep your smile healthy during pregnancy.

By Robert Sutherland, President, Canadian Dental Association
Will my teeth become more sensitive during my pregnancy?

dolgachov/iStockphoto

Q: I’ve heard that pregnant women can experience tooth sensitivity, and are at a higher risk for cavities. Why is this, and what can I do to protect my teeth?

A: Pregnancy can cause gastric reflux, which brings acid from the stomach into the mouth. Frequent reflux can cause the erosion of tooth surfaces, contributing to tooth sensitivity. Pregnancy-related alterations in your diet and in your oral hygiene habits could also increase the risk of cavities. After a reflux episode, it’s best to rinse with plain water — avoid tooth brushing for about an hour as the brush could damage any softened enamel. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing is essential to maintaining oral health.

Want to talk to other parents about this issue? Join the “Pregnancy” board in our forums.

This article was originally published on Jul 09, 2012

Weekly Newsletter

Keep up with your baby's development, get the latest parenting content and receive special offers from our partners

I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Advertisement
Advertisement