When you’re pregnant, your body experiences a range of hormonal changes that can increase your risk of gum disease, which can put your baby at risk. Choosing the right dental team can help you maintain great oral health during pregnancy and beyond. There’s no more important time in your life to get good dental care.
If you’re pregnant and also have diabetes, your risk is even greater, and you need to get in touch with a dentist right away to ensure that your health and the health of your unborn child are protected.
Periodontal disease usually starts will slimy yellowish plaque in the mouth that is not cleaned away. This plaque powers bacteria to grow, irritate your gums, and eventually destroy soft tissue, teeth, and bone. Bacteria can establish colonies in pockets between teeth and gums, causing gum recession that makes teeth unstable and eventually unviable.
Along with pregnancy comes massive hormonal swings, and these are in part to blame for the increased risk of gum disease in pregnant women. The harmful effects of gum disease also interact with pregnancy to cause additional risks, including preeclampsia, premature birth, and low birth weight.
Expanding On The Connection
Pregnant women can be prone to gum disease
There are three primary theories that attempt to explain the strong link between gum disease in pregnant mothers and problems for her and her unborn child:
Bacteria spread. As the number of bacteria in a pregnant woman’s mouth increases, these harmful bacteria get into the bloodstream and spread throughout her body – as they do in others with gum disease. But it’s different for pregnant women because the two most common places for bacteria colonies to develop are in the coronary arteries and in the mammary glands.
Prostaglandins. These hormone-like lipids are generated at the site of infection and tissue damage, so they’re high in people with gum disease. They’re also established labor-inducing chemicals, meaning that when they are present, women are more likely to give birth early.
C-reactive protein. Gum disease forces an immune system response, and c-reactive proteins are known to be at higher concentrations in the blood when inflammation is present. These proteins are linked to heart disease, blood clots, preeclampsia, and many other issues.
Treating Gum Disease In Pregnant Women
Gum disease in pregnant women can be treated in ways that are safe for both the mother and the unborn child. It is essential that periodontal disease is stopped and prevented from spreading so that this condition and the conditions that interact with it don’t compromise health.
Your dentist begins your gum disease exam with a full look at the mouth, including your teeth and jawbone as well as your gums. After making a diagnosis, they may recommend a variety of treatments. One of the most common is scaling and root planning to thoroughly clean teeth and eliminate pockets where bacteria can hide. They will also provide home-care instructions for improving your oral health during pregnancy and beyond.
Oral health is important through all life stages, and the right dental team can support you through your pregnancy and help you achieve the best possible health for a great outcome.
Every member of the family can benefit from good dental and oral health, so why not reach out to a San Diego Dentist Association member now?