You may be able to recite several of the changes that the female body experiences throughout pregnancy. But many people aren’t aware of changes that take place in the mouth and affect oral health. Pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of gum disease and it’s important to really care for your smile while pregnant.

At Clear Lake Dental & Associates, our dentistss can evaluate your oral health and determine if you are at risk of any oral health conditions that could impact your pregnancy. We encourage you to maintain effective oral hygiene habits so that you can have excellent oral health and do the same for your baby. Your oral hygiene routine should include foundational practices such as brushing your teeth for two minute-sessions morning and night.

While all patients are at risk of gum disease to some degree, pregnancy is one of the risk factors of gum disease. Women who are pregnant have increased levels of progesterone, which can irritate the gums and result in the beginning stages of gum disease. When gum disease is not treated, it can become very advanced and lead to heart disease and other serious health issues.

If you are interested in speaking with Drs. Kinsel and Onea about the link between pregnancy and dental health in Clearlake, California, contact Clear Lake Dental & Associates at 707-994-9414 today to schedule a visit.