Women’s Health – How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Teeth and Gums?

Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy is a very beautiful moment in a woman’s life, however hormonal changes occur in our body that alters its normal behavior. This is the reason why it’s important for us women to take good care of our teeth and gums while we are pregnant. These hormonal changes increase the risk of developing gum disease because it makes gums more sensitive, which makes it easier for gingivitis to develop, and this can affect the health of the unborn baby.

Periodontal Disease

It is very common to experience pregnancy gingivitis, identified by and uncomfortable swelling, bleeding, redness or softness in the gum tissue. A more advanced oral health condition (periodontal disease) may also affect the health of your baby.

Research has shown that an expectant mother suffering from periodontal disease might deliver a premature, low birth weight baby. As a matter of fact, these pregnant women may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born earlier and smaller that the usual, which may increase the risk for future health problems and disabilities.

Scaling and Root Planning

If you’re pregnant and receive a positive diagnose for periodontal disease, our dentist in Glendale recommends a common non-surgical procedure called scaling and root planning. With this procedure the root of your tooth or teeth are deeply cleaned to remove plaque, tartar and bacterial toxins, this may reduce the risk of having premature or low weighted births. Additionally, this procedure should reduce many of the pregnancy gingivitis symptoms.

Here are some Tips for pregnant women to follow:

• Even though sweets are craved a lot when we are pregnant, these should be avoided. Always remember that the more sweets you eat, the greater chance you have of developing tooth decay, plus studies have shown that the bacteria that causes tooth decay is
  passed genetically from mother to child.
• For precaution, during the first trimester and second half of the third trimester dental treatments should be avoided as much as possible. You need to let your dentist know about you pregnancy and have routine dental care and checkups.
• Always eat a healthy, balanced diet. This is very important because your baby’s first teeth begin to develop around after the third month of your pregnancy.
• Pay special attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy. If you see any changes call our Glendale dental office at (818) 547-4949 right away.
• Maintain a good oral hygiene to prevent or reduce oral health related problems.
• If you can’t stand the toothpaste and toothbrush sensation due to morning sickness, change your toothpaste and toothbrush to a softer one.

Routine Checkups

Never skip your dental routine checkups with our dentist in Glendale just because you are pregnant, this is the most essential time to have you regular gum examinations and routine checkups to prevent or treat any condition that might affect your baby’s health. Taking care of ourselves properly is the starting point for a complication-free and healthy life for your baby.