How Your Oral Health
May Affect Your Pregnancy
A healthy mouth is essential for a healthy pregnancy. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy – especially the increased level of progesterone – may make it easier for certain gingivitis-causing bacteria to grow, as well as make gum tissue more sensitive to plaque and exaggerate the body’s response to toxins that result from plaque. In fact, if you already have significant gum disease, being pregnant may make it worse.
Even more alarming is that emerging science suggests that advanced gum disease may be associated with premature, low birth weight, and may also increase your risk for diabetes or preeclampsia (high blood pressure) during pregnancy.
The good news is that with excellent oral hygiene and a visit to the dentist, this condition can almost entirely be avoided. After all, it is the bacteria, not the hormones, which is causing the gingivitis.
How Can I Tell If I Have Gum Disease?
During pregnancy, about half of all women experience a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. It is caused by an increase in hormone levels, which can exaggerate a woman’s response to dental plaque in the mouth. This extra plaque may cause swelling, bleeding, redness and/or tenderness in the gums. Changes in the gums are most noticeable from the second month of pregnancy, reaching a maximum in the eighth month.
How Can My Oral Health Affect My Baby?
After your baby is born, germs that cause tooth decay can easily pass from your mouth to your baby’s mouth. These germs can be passed through kissing, sharing utensils, or putting your baby’s pacifier or hands in your mouth.
What Can I Do?
Excellent oral hygiene starts at home:
- Brush your teeth, especially along the gumline, at least twice a day
- Use a small, soft toothbrush
- Use toothpaste with fluoride
- Floss at least once daily to clean between teeth and under your gums
Don’t skip your professional cleaning simply because you are pregnant. All pregnant women should visit the dentist at least once during pregnancy for a thorough cleaning. This procedure is safe during any part of your pregnancy, but may be more comfortable during your second trimester. After delivery, you should return to your dentist for a check up and cleaning to reduce the risk of transferring infectious bacteria to your baby’s mouth.
Talk to Your Dentist
If you are pregnant or are considering pregnancy, discuss any concerns you may have with your dentist. Women who are thinking about becoming pregnant may want to consider their oral health before becoming pregnant. And for women who are pregnant, it is important to maintain stellar oral health care throughout your pregnancy.