During pregnancy, women undergo a complex series of biological changes to adapt to and cater to their growing child. While these changes are crucial for their unborn child’s care, they may also lead to some unwanted consequences for oral health, like gum disease. This makes visiting a periodontist in Pompano Beach crucial for expecting mothers.
Hormonal, physiological, and behavioral changes that occur during pregnancy make women more prone to getting gum disease. If left untreated, there can be several consequences for both the mother and their child’s overall health. Here’s what you need to know to prevent these issues from occurring:
Hormones like progesterone and estrogen increase significantly during pregnancy. These hormonal fluctuations increase the gums’ sensitivity to bacteria and plaque, which can cause inflammation and raise the risk of gum disease.
Increased hormone levels also foster blood flow to the gum tissues, which increases their susceptibility to bleeding, swelling, and sensitivity.
The immune system undergoes some changes during pregnancy to safeguard both the growing fetus and the expectant mother. These modifications may weaken the body’s defenses against infections, increasing a pregnant woman’s vulnerability to conditions like gum disease.
It can be challenging for some pregnant women to continue their regular dental hygiene regimen if they experience nausea or vomiting, particularly in the first trimester. Gum disease can also be exacerbated by vomiting acid, which can erode tooth enamel and irritate the gums.
As if that weren’t enough, dietary changes can also increase the risk of bacterial accumulation. Some pregnant women experience pregnancy cravings and consume more sugary foods or snacks, increasing the risk of plaque buildup.
Pregnancy-related hormonal changes may impact the body’s reaction to the bacteria present in plaque, potentially increasing the likelihood of plaque buildup. This can cause inflammation and lead to gum disease.
Red or swollen gums only occur during the early stages of gum disease. There’s no research suggesting that harm to the fetus can come at this point.
However, if left untreated, gingivitis causes periodontitis, which is linked to preterm deliveries and low birth weight. The inflammation and infection associated with gum disease can also trigger an immune response that affects pregnancy.
It’s important to understand that gum disease is an infectious disease. Even after the child is born, a mother with gingivitis can easily infect their baby by sharing kitchen tools or trying their food.
Regular dental check-ups during pregnancy and prompt treatment are crucial to ensuring the health of both the unborn child and the mother.
Due to various hormonal and biological changes, pregnant women are more likely to experience gum disease. This is also known as pregnancy gingivitis. By understanding the reasons for this increased susceptibility to gum disease, women can start taking proactive steps to maintain oral hygiene and reduce their risk.
This is important to support their periodontal health and overall well-being during this important time. If you want to learn more, our expert team of periodontists at Park Plaza Dental can help you. Reach out!
If you have any questions about the services we offer, don’t hesitate to call Park Plaza Dental. Our team is here to make your next appointment a comfortable and productive one.