Hormonal changes, morning sickness, poor diet, and an increased gag reflex are obstacles that can put the expectant mother at risk for tooth decay and gingivitis.  Becoming knowledgeable regarding the causes of dental disease and adopting good oral hygiene practices are even more necessary at this time.

What is Pregnancy Gingivitis and Why Am I at Risk?

The most common oral complications during pregnancy are tender, red, swollen, sensitive, and bleeding gums, known as pregnancy gingivitis.  The hormonal changes during pregnancy change the body’s natural response to dental plaque, and thus exaggerate the way the gum tissues react, resulting in a higher chance of pregnant women getting gingivitis. The risk of getting gingivitis increases beginning with the second month of pregnancy and decreases with the ninth month. If you already have gingivitis going in to a pregnancy, it will likely get worse during pregnancy if you do not get treatment.  Keep in mind that it is bacteria, not hormonal changes, that causes gingivitis.  Hormonal changes only exacerbate the condition. 

What is a Pregnancy Tumor?

Pregnancy tumors (pyogenic granuloma) are benign lesions that are part of the exaggerated response to the bacteria plaque that causes gum disease.  Only a small percentage of pregnant women experience this, and it is recommended that these women see a dentist for treatment.

What is Periodontal Disease?

As plaque accumulates, the incidence of periodontal disease increases.  Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection below the gum line, which stimulates a chronic inflammatory response that results in destruction of the tissues and bone that support the teeth.

What Can Happen If I Have Periodontal Disease?

Bacteria from periodontal disease can be transmitted through the blood and amniotic fluid in the womb to your unborn child.  This could contribute to an increased risk of a premature delivery, a low birth-weight baby, preeclampsia, premature onset of contractions, or infection of the newborn child.  This evidence could have an important implication for women and babies’ heath since simple improvement of dental hygiene may help to reduce the incidence of unknown complications in pregnancy and newborn babies.

How Do I Prevent These Conditions?

See your dentist for an exam and a professional cleaning, then stay current with routine check-ups.  Your dentist will discuss diet, oral hygiene instructions, and what to expect as your pregnancy progresses.  Maintain meticulous oral hygiene by brushing 2-3 times a day and flossing at least once daily.  If you are suffering from morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water frequently and/or brush your teeth as often as possible to neutralize the acid.  Consume adequate levels of vitamins A, B12, and D to help maintain healthy gums, or consult with your obstetrician about prenatal vitamin supplements. 

A healthy mom equals a healthy baby – and that’s something to smile about! 

Gum disease or periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that causes loss of bone support surrounding the teeth.  The primary etiology consist of certain species of bacteria, while secondary factors include genetics, hormones, medications, smoking, alcohol, stress, diabetes, obesity, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, and poor diet. 

Facts About Periodontal Disease:

There are over 700 known bacteria found in the mouth…only 13 are associated with periodontal disease.

Periodontal bacteria double every five hours!

Diabetics develop periodontal disease 3-4x more often than non-diabetics.

Patients with periodontal disease have a:

700% greater risk of heart disease

50% greater risk for fatal heart attack

300% greater risk for stroke

700% greater risk for pre-term birth

Greater risk for oral cancer and pancreatic cancer

Higher chance of organ transplant failure and rheumatoid arthritis

Related Articles:

The Link Between the Mouth and the Body

7 Tips for Handling Dental Emergencies

What Every Mom Should Know About Pregnancy and Oral Health

Related Links:

Greystone Smile Design

The Link Between the Mouth and the Body

New research is available showing how infection from the teeth and gums is directly related to illnesses in the rest of the body. 

Bacterial infections in the mouth can be a major factor in the development of several systemic diseases.  These new risk factors have disproven the fallacy that the mouth is a separate entity when compared to the entire body.   These findings also allow dentists and physicians to join together in treatment modalities for the betterment of their patient’s overall health.

Where does this bacterial infection come from?

The main source of infection in the mouth is from periodontal disease, i.e., gum disease.  Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that is caused by accumulations of plaque below the gum line, along with an aggressive immune response against these bacteria.  This process results in bone loss around the teeth, in which teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.  It is almost impossible to brush below the gum line, so a professional cleaning is required by your dentist or dental hygienist to remove these irritants.

The inflammatory response (the body’s reaction to infection) caused by the periodontal (i.e., gum disease) bacteria can have effects throughout the body, including damage to susceptible organs, arteries, and tissues. 

What kind of illnesses can these bacteria cause?

Research shows that diabetes increases the risk of periodontal disease, and periodontal disease can aggravate the glycemic (sugar) control of diabetics.  Periodontal disease can also increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, oral cancer, pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, and low birth weight infants. 

What do I need to do to decrease my risk of disease and improve my overall health?

The first step is to see your dentist for a complete exam of your teeth, gums, and soft tissue.  If infection is present or you are at a higher risk for disease, your dentist may recommend a “deep cleaning” and/or more frequent cleaning intervals.  He or she will also discuss home care, diet, and recare/maintenance visits. 

At Greystone Smile Design, we have a specific non-surgical protocol for each condition based on risk factors and the amount of infection present.  Our skilled doctors and hygienists have the ability and technology to take pictures of the areas of concern, show educational videos on the flat-screen TV’s in each treatment room, and can generate a computer analysis of the teeth in question.  This is all done to teach you about the process of periondontal disease, so that each patient can be involved and understand the goals of the treatment planning process.  Referral to one of our top periodontists may be indicated if the non-surgical therapy is not 100% successful.

A healthier mouth means a healthier you and that’s something to smile about!

Related Articles:

Which Toothpaste is Best? 

What Every Mom Should Know about Pregnancy and Oral Health

The Health Risks of Gum Disease

Related Links:

Greystone Smile Design