If you've been expecting for more than a few months, you likely already know that pregnancy comes with downs as well as ups. As joyful and exciting as this time is, being pregnant can also cause a lot of changes in the body — and some of these changes can affect your teeth. Dental emergencies always require prompt attention, but knowing when to seek emergency care is even more critical when you need to protect your baby's health as well as your own. To make sure you're prepared, read up on these three potential emergencies to watch out for during your pregnancy.

1. Severe pain

It's not uncommon to experience mild gum sensitivity and swelling while you're pregnant, but severe pain could be a sign of pregnancy gingivitis. Wondering how you can suddenly get gingivitis (also known as gum disease) even though your hygiene habits haven't changed? It's all down to hormones. Surges of progesterone and oestrogen during pregnancy can exaggerate your mouth's inflammatory response to plaque around the teeth. As with any form of gingivitis, it should be checked by a dentist as soon as possible. But, if you're in a lot of pain, don't hesitate to skip a regular appointment and go straight to an emergency dentist. High levels of pain indicate more serious gum disease and can stop you from being able to eat comfortably, which is bad for you and your baby. Your dentist will be able to talk to you about treatment options that are safe for both of you and get you feeling comfortable again before you know it.

2. Loose teeth

Another way pregnancy hormones can affect your teeth is by loosening them. Relaxin and oestrogen, in particular, can both lead to minor shifting. Unfortunately, that's not the only cause of loose teeth in pregnant women. Calcium and mineral loss can also weaken the delicate ligaments and bone holding your teeth in place, and erosion from morning sickness doesn't help either.

A slight wiggle may be nothing to worry about, but if you notice severe mobility and your tooth seems to be barely hanging on, it's time to visit your emergency dentist. This is a sign that your periodontal ligaments have severely deteriorated. If left untreated, your tooth is likely to fall out in the near future, drastically reducing your chances of salvaging your smile. An emergency dentist can splint your tooth to adjacent teeth while your tissues heal, and may recommend antibiotics or deep cleaning to help get your mouth stable again.

3. Wisdom tooth infection

Even if your wisdom teeth have been dormant for years, pregnancy can create a problem. Increased blood flow and hormonal changes often lead to gum swelling, which can cause your wisdom teeth to become impacted and infected. Tooth infections are a risk for anyone, but they're even more dangerous for developing babies. The bacteria in the teeth can release toxins into the bloodstream, in turn leading to low blood flow, tissue damage and all sorts of problems you want to protect your baby from.

So, if your wisdom tooth does become impacted, visit a dentist as a matter of urgency. There are plenty of safe ways for dentists to conduct a tooth extraction without giving you medications that could harm your baby, so don't be afraid to seek treatment.

For more info, contact a local emergency dentist.