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Morning sickness, cravings and back ache are all well-know issues associated with pregnancy – but did you know in some cases, it can cause tooth loss?
A US mother has amassed more than 1.3 million followers on TikTok discussing the little-known pregnancy side-effect that led her to lose all her teeth.
The 36-year-old mum told followers she didn’t eat “properly†during her pregnancy 15 years ago, believing it had caused the baby to “strip things out of my body that I didn’t know I didn’t have… mostly calcium from [my] teethâ€.
But a Sydney dentist has warned that while tooth loss can occur as a result of being pregnant, in most cases it only occurs where pre-existing dental problems are worsened by the pregnancy.
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Can you lose your teeth during pregnancy?
“Your teeth do not lose calcium once formed but pregnancy can cause havoc with your teeth,†Dr David Leong, who owns Erko Dental, told news.com.au
“In most cases there are pre-existing conditions that are exacerbated by the pregnancy such as already having decayed or heavily filled teeth or already having gum (periodontal) issues.
“Some women also avoid the dentist because they think it will harm the baby, delaying urgent treatment when it is actually more important to see a dentist during pregnancy.â€
What causes tooth loss while expecting?
Alicia, who regularly shocks the internet with videos documenting her transformation each morning using dentures and make-up, says she was “genetically predisposed to extreme calcium loss†during pregnancy, causing her teeth to become hollow and brittle on the inside before falling out.
Dr Leong said common causes include increased progesterone and oestrogen) hormones, changes to diet and high acid levels caused by vomiting and reflux.
“Sometimes pregnancy can caused a decrease in oral hygiene due to brushing making people feel nauseous and gagging or just plain tiredness,†he added.
Alicia has learnt to live without her teeth, recently celebrating hitting a milestone one million followers with an incredible transformation video.
In it, the mum filmed herself drying her natural hair after having a shower, putting on a wig and doing her make-up before revealing the finished look on camera.
Her comments section blew up with many in disbelief over the change, with one stating Alicia took years off her appearance.
Continue the conversation @RebekahScanlan | rebekah.scanlan@news.com.au
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