Pregnancy affects your whole body, and your mouth is no exception. Your hormones are changing throughout pregnancy, which can affect your teeth and gums. There are several things to watch for regarding your dental health while pregnant.

Pregnancy gingivitis

Higher levels of progesterone in your system can cause gingivitis, or inflamed gums. Your gums may become swollen and red, and they may bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. After the baby is born, pregnancy gingivitis symptoms usually disappear.

Gum disease

A more serious dental problem that affects some pregnant women is periodontal, or gum, disease. It happens when bacteria causes an infection to develop below your gum line, which can loosen your teeth or even make them fall out. Another serious side effect of gum disease is to the baby, because it increases the mother’s risk of early delivery and lower baby birth weights.

Pregnancy granuloma

A granuloma is a red growth that appears during pregnancy along the upper edge of your gums. It bleeds easily, causes discomfort, and may affect speech. Pregnancy granulomas most often happen during the second trimester, and usually dissipate after the baby’s birth.

Dry mouth

Hormonal changes can decrease the amount of saliva you produce. The resulting dry mouth increases your risk of various dental problems.

Tooth enamel erosion

The enamel on your teeth may be at higher risk of erosion due to vomiting caused by morning sickness. This risk increases the more frequent the vomiting occurs over an longer time period.