ORAL HEALTH AND PREGNANCY
Expectant mothers and women contemplating pregnancy have unique considerations when it comes to dental care. Failure to maintain oral health during this sensitive time could have serious consequences for you and your child. Due to increase in the level of hormones ,teeth and gums are more susceptible to bacterial accumulation leading to Gingivitis and/or Periodontal diseases . Also during pregnancy due to changes in eating habits, teeth are more prone to cavities . Periodontal diseases are considered a risk factor for Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes which includes Preterm Birth, Fetal Growth Restriction, Low Birthweight, Pre-Eclampsia and Gestational Diabetes It is therefore important to properly care for your teeth before, during and after pregnancy to safeguard your oral health and that of your unborn child.
ORAL HEALTH CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PREGNANCY
Pregnancy Gingivitis:
Pregnancy gingivitis is a common condition affecting women during pregnancy. It is caused as a result of bacteria present in plaque trapped in between your teeth. It can be managed if diagnosed early enough.
Pregnancy gingivitis : Gingivitis can yield a variety of symptoms, including:- Red, swollen or tender gums
- The sensation of loose teeth
- Spaces between teeth
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
It is important to seek the advice of dentist about gingivitis so that the condition does not progress into periodontal disease. The development of periodontal disease can be additionally problematic for pregnant women and their children.
Periodontal Disease:
Periodontal disease can develop as a result of untreated gingivitis. Also called periodontitis, it leads to the deterioration of bone and surrounding gum tissue.
Periodontal disease may produce a variety of symptoms, including:- Bleeding gums
- Inflamed gums and are tender to touch
- Pus along the gums
- Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
- Loosening or gaping between teeth
- Tooth loss
- Infection and swelling of gums
Pregnancy Tumors (Pyogenic Granulomas):
Pregnant women with gingivitis or periodontal disease are more susceptible to the development of pregnancy tumors, also called pyogenic granulomas. These tumors make it difficult for you to eat or speak and can cause discomfort.
We at MDC recommend females to get their dental check up done before planning pregnancy or during initial months of pregnancy to avoid any dental complication that may arise later during pregnancy. It is important that you do an oral hygiene check up and professional dental cleaning if needed. Any sign of oral infection like Toothache, Swelling, Bleeding Gums or Pus around the tooth required Immediate treatment . Gum infections are the most common form of infection during pregnancy. Less common infections include abscesses inside or at the end of the root of a Decayed Tooth. Such abscesses may require a Root Canal Treatment of the Tooth So its always necessary to get a complete dental check up done during the pregnancy time and its always safe.