Pregnancy is a miraculous experience that can affect your entire body, including your oral health. It is very important to maintain your oral care throughout your pregnancy, as there is a link between periodontal disease and pregnancy and periodontal disease and preterm birth. Here’s the link between periodontal disease and pregnancy, and what you can do to keep your mouth and body healthy during this time.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal or gum disease affects the soft tissues that hold your teeth in place, namely your gums and the bone underneath. If you have gum disease, this means that the soft tissues have been damaged by bacteria in your mouth. Whether the condition is reversible depends on how far it has progressed.
Reversible gum disease is known as gingivitis. This is when the gums become irritated, swollen, inflamed and red due to poor oral hygiene. You may also experience some bleeding.
Irreversible gum disease is known as periodontitis. This occurs when gingivitis is allowed to progress and as a result, the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place are destroyed. This can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy
As an article in Oral & Implantology points out, periodontal disease during pregnancy begins with the accumulation of dental plaque, which can increase due to hormonal influence. Changes in a pregnant woman’s oral microbiome may also contribute to the development of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease symptoms may be exacerbated during pregnancy. These include:
bleeding from the gums
Formation of pockets between teeth and gums
If you notice any of these symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis or pregnancy periodontitis, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible for evaluation.
Effects of Gum Disease on Pregnancy Outcomes
There is some evidence to support that periodontal disease may increase the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. According to a study in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research, such negative consequences can include:
early birth
low birth weight
Restriction of baby’s growth
Researchers hypothesize that these reactions develop due to the spread of certain bacteria associated with gum disease into the fetoplacental unit.
Effects of Gum Examinations on Pregnancy Outcomes
There is some evidence used to prolong pregnancy to the incidence of adverse outcomes of periodontal disease. According to an impression in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research, such negative consequences occur:
early birth
low birth weight
Restriction of baby caregivers
Researchers hypothesize that these periods are due to the proliferation of certain bacteria associated with gum disease into the fetoplacental unit.
