If you’re pregnant and wondering what effect your oral health might have on your unborn baby, the dental health experts at one of our 123Dentist Community Dentist Network dental practices want patients to know the facts about how oral health can impact pregnancy.
There has been evidence that shows a correlation between gum disease and premature babies. Researchers have revealed that pregnant woman who have gum disease are more likely than other pregnant women to have a premature birth.
There needs to be more research on this subject, but it does seem that gum disease is detrimental to fluids that induce labour. If gum disease worsens during pregnancy, the risk will be greater of having a baby born too early or too small.
The dental health teams at the 123Dentist Community Dentist Network encourages pregnant women to visit their local dental practice for regular dental appointments so that oral health issues can be treated before they have an impact on pregnancy.
While you are pregnant, a team at one of our 123Dentist Community Dentist Network dental practices will pay close attention to your teeth and gums. In order to keep your mouth healthy, brush and floss on a regular basis and make sure your diet is nutritious. Ensure that you visit a 123Dentist Community Dentist Network practice for your regular checkups and to prevent dental issues.
Aside from gum disease, another issue that women may develop during pregnancy is gingivitis. This occurs when plaque is stored in the teeth, causing gums to be irritated. Symptoms of this dental problem are red, swollen and bloody gums, and inflammation.
Gingivitis is a major concern for pregnant women who visit a 123Dentist Community Dentist Network dental practice because the high level of hormones make the way gums respond to plaque much worse. It should be noted that plaque is the major cause of pregnancy gingivitis, not hormones.
If you are diligent about keeping your teeth clean, this will reduce your chances of gingivitis. Make sure to pay special attention to the gumline, as it attracts plaque and bacteria the most.
Let a 123Dentist Community Dentist Network team know about your pregnancy when you make your appointment.
