Pregnancy announcements happen to be one of the most unique times in a woman’s life. It is filled with uninhibited joy but also confusion. Pregnancy takes a toll on a woman’s physical and mental well-being. The massive hormonal shifts also have a tremendous effect on a woman’s oral health.
The high levels of estrogen and progesterone make the mouth more susceptible to gum diseases and dental decay. This means even the slightest infection can progress to its severe forms.
It is seen that 60-75% of pregnant women in the US suffer from gingivitis and early stages of periodontal diseases during pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis presents itself as swollen and tender gums. The affected gums bleed on touch or probing.
If left untreated, pregnancy gingivitis can rapidly turn into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a destructive form of gum disease. Early stages will present themselves as slightly receded and swollen gum. You may also see tartar deposits near the gums. As the destruction progresses, the teeth become mobile and shift around in the jaw and eventually can be lost.
Many women experience teeth shifting during pregnancy, and it is a result of untreated gum diseases. However, the ill effects of poor oral health can also scale beyond. The disease-causing bacteria from the mouth can reach the major blood vessels from where it can travel to the major organs of the mother and even reach the developing fetus. This can be a major cause of miscarriage and is associated with retarded fetal growth.
Therefore it is of utmost importance that expectant mothers maintain good oral hygiene and seek prompt dental care. Ensure you brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and rinse your mouth regularly. In addition, schedule regular dental visits to remain at the top of your oral health.
If you have any more questions or would like to schedule an appointment with us, please reach out to us at Wilmington Periodontics and Implants. Our team of exceptional dental professionals is here to assist you.
