Written by Dr. Hafsa Fatima
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey of nurturing a baby in your womb. However, one of the most neglected issues would be poor oral health in some pregnant women. About half of the mothers-to-be are likely to suffer from gum or periodontal disease during pregnancy. As a result of hormonal changes and relatively poor dental hygiene, gums tend to be excessively sensitive during pregnancy, causing problems like gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (inflammation extending to the alveolar bone). This is a chronic inflammatory destruction of the soft and hard tissues supporting the tooth [1].
Saliva, food, and bacteria form a coating on your teeth called plaque and make your gums prone to bleeding. The gums become red and swollen and may exhibit extreme sensitivity. Let us help you decode everything about gum disease during pregnancy.
In This Article
Gum inflammation generally strikes between the 3rd and 8th month of pregnancy. Vomiting during pregnancy also makes the acids from the stomach corrode the teeth. If the gums are left without cleaning then they start affecting the underlying jawbone, causing periodontitis. This condition can lead to early labor or a poor birth weight of the baby, making pregnancy all the more complicated. Women who are already struggling with dental problems may just feel that pregnancy has made oral health worse. According to research studies, about 40% of pregnant women will have some form of gum disease [2].Gum disease is 1.8 to 2.2 times more prevalent among pregnant than non-pregnant women [3]. The usual symptoms of gum diseases are red gums that may bleed when you brush, severe sensitivity, and pain. These symptoms can further aggravate swelling and bleeding of gum tissue [4].
Some of the common symptoms of gum diseases during pregnancy include:
The increased levels of progesterone during pregnancy puts pregnant women at a higher risk of developing dental problems as it causes an exaggerated response to plaque bacteria. Gingivitis is common in women during months 3 to 8 of pregnancy, and even though you may follow a healthy oral care routine, you still run at a risk of developing gingivitis during pregnancy [5].
It is much advisable to see a dentist prior to conception, however, if you miss out on that then you need to tell your dentist when you conceive- so that he can schedule your appointments accordingly. Dental cleanings during the second or early third trimester will help you deal with gingivitis.
[Read: Progesterone During Pregnancy]
There are several reasons, which can result in poor dental health. Here are some of those:
Significant studies have shown a link between poor dental hygiene and premature birth. Researchers of one study who published their results in The Journal of the American Dental Association found that pregnant women with chronic gum disease were four to seven times more likely to deliver prematurely (before gestational week 37) and underweight babies than mothers with healthy gums[1].
However, it is not yet been established if treating gum diseases reduces the risk of premature or low-weight birth.
[Read: 6 Home remedies for vomiting during pregnancy]
The bottom rule is that you should follow good dental hygiene to avoid or mitigate oral health issues. Here is a gist of certain pregnancy-related problems that can adversely affect your dental hygiene.
Do not fret! You are not alone in facing gum disease during pregnancy. Gum changes are a common manifestation during your pregnancy journey. However, knowing the early signs and getting dental care on time is crucial to halt the disease progression and prevent further deterioration to safeguard your and your baby’s health. A balanced diet, a good oral care routine, and a bit of awareness can help you at least deal with gum problems, if not prevent them.
Happy Pregnancy!
Read Also: 10 Natural Remedies To Get Relief From Toothache During Pregnancy
When progesterone production increases during pregnancy, it increases blood flow to the mouth and makes the gums more susceptible to infection from germs. Gum disease during pregnancy usually clears up after giving birth.
If you have pregnancy gum disease, once you brush your teeth they bleed. The gums become red, swollen, and puffy. Another issue that accompanies pregnancy gum disease is poor breadth.
Your breath may smell like sulfur or rotten eggs if you have gingivitis. This is due to microorganisms in your mouth producing compounds that smell similar to these substances.
The progression of gum disease is slow but steady. It only takes four days for plaque to reach its maximum extent.
References
Carbohydrates During Pregnancy – Importance and Sources
Top 500 Unique Hindu Baby Girl Names Starting With S
Pseudoephedrine During Pregnancy – Safety, Dosage and Side Effects
NyQuil During Pregnancy – Safety, Dosage And Side Effects
Edible Gum(Gond) During Pregnancy – Is it Safe, How to Consume and Top Benefits
Pregnancy Photo Shoot Dress Ideas – Capturing the Beauty of Motherhood
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