{"id":22238,"date":"2025-02-13T04:21:39","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T03:21:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=22238"},"modified":"2025-02-13T04:22:08","modified_gmt":"2025-02-13T03:22:08","slug":"losing-teeth-during-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/losing-teeth-during-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Some Women’s Teeth Loosen During Pregnancy?"},"content":{"rendered":"

It may sound like something from a horror film, but yes, oral health problems during pregnancy are one of <\/span>many struggles<\/span><\/a> women experience. And unfortunately, loose teeth are one of the alarming side effects that come along with motherhood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, why do women experience loose teeth during pregnancy, and can it lead to further issues?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the March of Dimes<\/span><\/a>, an increase in hormone levels leads to an increase in acidity in the mouth. High levels of progesterone and estrogen, two hormones present during pregnancy, can lead to the loosening of the tissues and bones surrounding the teeth, which will wiggle back and forth. These loosened teeth are only temporary, however.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>2019 study published in PLoS One<\/span><\/a> says that it’s common for women to think that they may even lose their teeth entirely during pregnancy. Loose teeth are possible, yes, but losing a tooth is connected to another underlying condition or issue with dental hygiene.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, a more serious concern is gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. When gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to serious infections in the bones that support the teeth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that up to <\/span>75% of pregnant people<\/span><\/a> experience <\/span>gingivitis<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Periodontal disease ultimately requires teeth to be pulled or extracted. <\/span>According to a 2016 study<\/span><\/a>, women with gum disease may go on to experience preterm labor or have babies with a low birth weight. This disease can also lead to bacteremia, which is when bacteria enter the bloodstream. Bacteremia is a serious condition that requires professional help and treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2021, a mother of four came forward and <\/span>shared her story with TODAY<\/span><\/a> about how she wears full dentures at age 34 due to tooth decay during every one of her pregnancies. However, experts say her case is a rarity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pregnancy can increase your chances of oral health problems, but pregnancy itself does not necessarily lead to loose teeth, cavities, or gingivitis. The <\/span>National Library of Medicine<\/span><\/a> says that losing a tooth due to tooth decay stems from poor oral hygiene, poor diet, bad lifestyle habits, smoking, using drugs, or undiagnosed dental diseases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are several factors that can contribute to changing dental health while pregnant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Changes in dental hygiene can be due to:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n