Prevent Gingivitis During Pregnancy!

Did you know that healthy gums might make your expected child healthier? Pregnancy can have a huge impact on oral health! Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make gum tissue more sensitive to dental plaque, as well as altering the body’s typical response to bacteria in the mouth. Inflammation of the gums, also known as gingivitis, can arise during pregnancy as a result of an increase in estrogen and progesterone. Pregnant women are also at an increased risk of developing gum disease, also known as periodontitis. If these oral health problems were already present before pregnancy, they are more likely to worsen during pregnancy. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene in order to improve your overall health.

Pregnancy gingivitis affects most women between the second and eighth month of pregnancy. As blood flow to gum tissues increases, the gums become more irritable and swollen.

Gingivitis can lead to gum disease, which is caused by a buildup of plaque. Tooth loss is often a result of gum disease. Symptoms include tooth sensitivity, bad breath, loose teeth, bleeding gums, and bright red or inflamed gums. When gums become infected, it is easier for bacteria to enter into the bloodstream through the gums, which can then travel to the uterus. According to the American Academy of Periodontology and the European Federation of Periodontology, gum disease and gingivitis in women have been linked to pre-mature births, or low-birth weight infants. Pre-maturely born children can suffer from growth complications.

Gingivitis and gum disease can be treated with proper oral health care. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing, are all critical oral habits during pregnancy. Brushing is particularly essential after morning sickness. Make sure to use soft toothbrushes, and be gentle when brushing and flossing. A good diet with nutritious foods is also essential in keeping the mouth clean and healthy. Make sure to intake foods or supplements with vitamins C and B12. Additional scheduled visits to the dentist for cleanings can also help prevent oral health problems.

Researchers have also found a correlation between pregnancy tumors and plaque buildup. Pregnancy tumors are inflammatory, non-cancerous growths that can develop between teeth when the gums are inflamed. These tumors usually disappear after labor. However, dental professionals can remove them if they begin to cause pain, or affect chewing and brushing.

Women during pregnancy are more susceptible to oral health problems. These symptoms, especially during pregnancy, should not be ignored. Thus, good oral care is essential during pregnancy, not only for your overall health, but also your expected child’s!

Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment and consultation.

Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist Dr. Kim or Dr.Pradhan. Dr. Emad is happy to help with your orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs Dr. Ghazi would be more than willing to help.

References:

http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/ADA/2013/article/ADA-09-Expectant-Moms-Need-Healthy-Gums.cvsp

http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/swollengums.html

http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=c&iid=325&aid=4854

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/pregnancy-gingivitis-tumors