Sensitive teeth are particularly painful and distracting. They make drinking hot chocolate or eating ice cream an excruciating experience. The main causes of sensitive teeth are enamel damage, nerve exposure, cracks and gum disease.
Pregnant women also suffer from the condition due to the body changes they experience.
Can Sensitive Teeth Be An Early Sign Of Pregnancy?
Pregnancy causes swollen gums and sore teeth due to the rush of hormones. Pregnant women are privy to free dental treatment because of these changes.
Morning sickness causes exposure to stomach acid which also damages teeth. If you suddenly experience sore teeth and gums it may indicate hormonal changes common in pregnancy.
The only way to find out if pregnancy is the cause of your sore teeth is to take a pregnancy test.
If it is positive it is a possible reason however a visit to a dentist will confirm if it is the cause. Pregnancy is a time of excitement and discomfort and sensitive teeth are just another pain like a sore back that requires care.
Sensitive Teeth And Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes a rush of hormones and increases blood flow thus causing swollen gums and sore teeth. Pregnant women are more susceptible to gum disease and sensitive teeth because they react differently to bacteria.
This increases plaque build-up and potential damage to teeth. Dentists recognise the toll pregnancy takes on your teeth resulting in free dental treatment.
Many treatments are not available during pregnancy due to the negative effects they may have on the baby. Amalgam fillings and X rays usually take place after the baby is born to avoid damage to the baby.
Visits to the dentist generally concentrate on maintaining healthy teeth during the duration of the pregnancy.
Teeth Care During Pregnancy
It is vitally important to increase your oral health routine during pregnancy to prevent damage to your teeth. Measures include; clean your teeth twice a day, use a small round-headed brush, avoid sugary drinks, snack on non-acidic food, avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol and smoking.
Free dental treatment lasts for the duration of your pregnancy and for one year afterwards. On occasion you may need to make a visit to an emergency dentist, the below form will cover you for this.
You must complete a form to obtain a maternity exemption certificate (MatEx). Your doctor or nurse will give you a copy to complete. It is definitely worth the effort because of the free treatment available. (Source: NHS Choices).
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Some women have a sixth sense and have an inkling they are pregnant before they even miss a period. Fatigue, bleeding, cramping, nausea, food cravings, headaches, mood swings and raised basal temperature are early signs of pregnancy.
They are also similar to normal menstruation symptoms so you won’t really know until you take a test.
Sensitive teeth, flatulence, nosebleeds, runny nose, prominent veins, constipation, vivid dreams, dizziness and clingy children are subtle signs you may have a baby on board.
You may just be having a bad period and have bad teeth so it is important to check it out. (Source: Kidspot)
If you would like to discuss treatment for sensitive teeth during your pregnancy please click here.
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