Gum Problems During Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes hormonal changes, increasing your risk for developing oral health problems like gingivitis and periodontitis or even pregnancy complications. Learn more about how to maintain the health of you and your unborn baby.

It is important to maintain good oral health during pregnancy to ensure both the health of yourself and the health of your baby. New research has shown that women with gum disease could be at a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as giving birth to pre-term or low-birth weight babies.

Pregnancy gingivitis is a bacteria-induced inflammatory condition that attacks the gum tissue. Gingivitis makes our body react by producing prostaglandins, natural fatty acids that are involved with inflammation control and smooth muscle contraction.

During your pregnancy, the level of prostaglandins slowly increases, peaking when you go into labor.

One theory is if extra prostaglandins are produced as a reaction to the bacterial infection in your gums (gingivitis), the body might interpret this as a signal to go into labour and your baby may be born too early and too small.

Sign and symptoms of gum  infection are:

• Bleeding when brushing/ flossing.  
•  Redness of the gums
• Swollen (inflammation)
• Gums recession,
• Bad breath,
• Loose  teeth.
• Also often gum disease is not painful

It is particularly important during pregnancy to be aware of the above  signs and symptoms, as periodontal disease could have an affect on your baby.  According to the USA Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), babies with low-birth weight could be  at a higher  risk of long-term health problems such as delayed motor skills, social growth, or learning disabilities.

Other problems associated with pre-term birth include respiratory problems, vision and hearing loss, or feeding and digestive problems.

For better understanding please watch this video 

Gum treatment during pregnancy:

• Routine Scaling and polishing with your Dental Hygienist or Dentist is safe for pregnant women, and results in better gum health.
• Routine brushing and flossing are also very important in order to maintain good oral health and reducing your risk of pregnancy gingivitis/ or periodontal disease. By maintaining your periodontal health, you are not only supporting your overall health, but also helping to ensure a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.

At Hobsonville point dental , our Dental Hygienist/Therapist & dentists Tristan, Onnara and  Katheine are here to assess & help with all aspects of oral health care & gum treatments, from simple scaling and polishing to complex periodontal/gum problems

Arrange an appointment with us at Hobsonville Point Dental today via our online booking system Click here to book online

Posted by Waronga

Hobsonville Point Dental is proud to help the good people of the Hobsonville with all their dental requirements; especially in our mission to assess your gums and help you iradicate gum infection / periodontitis - give a us a call 093200504

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