Gum Disease And Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you may be at a greater risk of gingivitis and periodontitis

Gum disease is fairly common although this is sometimes temporary and we may not even be aware of it. For example, we may not look after our teeth as well if we are ill and very tired.

Usually, when we recover and start brushing and flossing again, this is reversed. For some people though, gum disease can be more persistent, especially if their oral health care regime is poor.

One group that is particularly susceptible to periodontal infections are pregnant women. This is due to the hormonal changes during this time. In addition to this, some women struggle through their pregnancy and may be more likely to neglect their teeth and gums because of it. If you are pregnant, or planning to have a family, we hope that the advice offered below, by our Canterbury dental team, will be of help to you.

Causes of gum disease in pregnancy

Some people are simply genetically more prone to periodontal disease than others. Mostly though, it is caused by a buildup of bacteria on the teeth and the gum line which is not removed due to poor cleaning. This can accumulate quite quickly if you don’t brush and floss your teeth well. The fact is that hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy makes this more likely, and whilst you can’t do anything about this, you can make sure to brush your teeth well and use dental floss to clean between the teeth if you don’t already do so.

Food cravings can also contribute to this problem, especially if you crave sweet things as the increase in sugar is likely to increase the number of bacteria that cause the harm.

Effects on pregnancy

Gum disease should be taken seriously during pregnancy and even if you are struggling during it you should still see the hygienist at Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic for a regular ‘scale and polish’. Although this is usually carried out at six monthly intervals, you may be advised to reduce the time between cleanings to keep your mouth in good health.

Gum disease has been linked with premature birth and low birth weight. This is thought to be due to the bacteria entering the bloodstream and which then targets the foetus. It can also cause inflammation of the uterus and may cause premature contractions.

Pregnant women are also thought to be at a higher risk of developing diabetes if their gum health is poor. This is thought to be due to the bacteria interfering with the way the insulin is produced.

Finally, there is thought to be an increased risk of preeclampsia. This can cause high blood pressure both during and after labour and can be serious if not treated.

As you can see, it is well worth making the effort to maintain good gum health even if you are low on energy at this time.

Keeping your gums healthy

The same rules apply for keeping your gums healthy whether you are pregnant or not. The most obvious thing to do is to brush your teeth well with a brush that has healthy bristles. If yours look worn or are more than 3 months old, you should change them for more effective brushing and plaque removal. If you don’t use dental floss, you should definitely do so as this is a very effective way of keeping your teeth and gums clean in areas that a toothbrush won’t reach.

Be careful of what you eat and drink and avoid sugary foods and drinks as much as you possibly can. A healthy diet is certainly beneficial for your oral health. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is a major cause of gum disease as the bacteria thrive in a warm and dry environment such as a dry mouth. You shouldn’t be smoking during pregnancy anyway, and if you are, you should stop, largely for the health of the baby but also to help protect your gums. Smoking is a major cause of gum disease and also mouth cancer.

Finally, as mentioned earlier, you should see our Canterbury dental hygienist for a scale and polish more frequently. Bacterial buildup known as tartar is a hard substance that sticks to teeth and the gum line and can’t be removed with regular brushing alone. As it builds it forms a rough surface which then attracts more bacteria. It is important to keep this under control and this is best done with a professional cleaning that the hygienist will provide.

If you are pregnant or planning to start a family in the near future, now is a good time to make sure that your oral health is on track. You can do this by arranging appointments to see the dentist and hygienist at Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic on 01227 463529.