Changes in the oral cavity have been associated with pregnancy.
These include alterations in both the hard and soft tissues. An
increase in caries has been associated with carbohydrate load-
ing as snacking becomes more frequent. 11 In some instances,
morning sickness and vomiting/reflux may contribute to the
onset of perimyolysis, an erosion of the lingual surfaces of
the teeth caused by exposure to gastric acids. A confounding
factor is that pregnancy-associated hormonal changes may cause
dryness of the mouth. Approximately 44 percent of pregnant
participants in one study reported persistent xerostomia. 27