Oral health and pregnancy: The six things every expectant mum needs to know

From swollen feet and an aversion to previously loved foods, many of the things you may face are often explained away as being ‘just because you’re pregnant.’ But when it comes to your oral health the problems that you may face while pregnant should not be overlooked as they could cause further issues later on for you or your baby.

To keep your body and mouth healthy during pregnancy the Oral Health Foundation have released a list of six things you need to know about your oral health:

Changing hormonal levels during pregnancy mean that your body will react differently to bacteria on your teeth (plaque). This can lead to swollen and bleeding gums and even to the more serious forms of gum disease such as periodontitis and pregnancy gingivitis. There have been proven links between gum disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes; with a greater risk of pre-eclampsia, premature birth and of giving birth to an underweight child. It is therefore vital that pregnant women do not ignore any early signs of gum disease and get checked out by a dental professional straight away.