Pregnancy & Gum Disease

It’s a well-known fact that drugs, alcohol, and smoking all increase the risk of pregnancy complications. What you may not know is that pregnant women who have periodontal disease are seven times more likely to give birth to a pre-term, low birth weight baby.

That’s why periodontal evaluations are an essential part of prenatal care. According to a study that was published in the Journal of Periodontology, periodontal therapy reduces the rates of premature birth and low birth weight by 68% in pregnant women with gingivitis.

Pregnancy gingivitis typically begins in the second month of pregnancy and increases in severity until the eighth month. If you don’t seek treatment for pregnancy gingivitis, it can develop into periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease that affects the bone and surrounding tissue that support your teeth.
 

Why Are Pregnant Women More Susceptible to Gingivitis?

Approximately 50 to 70% of pregnant women experience gingivitis, which causes symptoms like swelling, redness, bleeding, and tenderness of the gum tissue. Pregnant women are more susceptible to gingivitis because throughout pregnancy, elevated levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone are secreted. These hormonal changes promote the growth of gingivitis-causing bacteria, make the gum tissue more sensitive to plaque, and exaggerate the body’s normal response to plaque. Moreover, if you have preexisting gum disease, being pregnant can make it worse.

In some cases, pregnant women with gingivitis may even develop “pregnancy tumors,” which are growths that form on inflamed gum tissue. These growths are not cancerous -- they are an inflammatory reaction to irritating bacteria that collects on the gum tissue. Pregnancy tumors typically subside after childbirth, but if they are interfering with your daily life, you may need to have them removed by a periodontist.

How to Prevent Gum Disease during Pregnancy

You can help to prevent gum disease and the development of pregnancy tumors by following good oral hygiene habits. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is essential to preventing gingivitis, both during pregnancy and at any other time in your life. For the best results, brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and use antimicrobial mouth rinse.

Regular physical activity and a healthy diet also play an important role in the preservation of healthy gums, so exercise daily, eat a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugary foods. You should also visit your dentist or periodontist for regular checkups and cleanings throughout your pregnancy. Your dentist or periodontist will be able to remove plaque or tartar that you can’t reach with regular brushing.
 

Treatment for Gum Disease during Pregnancy

If you’re diagnosed with gum disease during pregnancy, you may be a candidate for scaling and root planing, a non-surgical procedure during which tartar and plaque are removed from deep periodontal pockets. Studies have shown that scaling and root planing reduces the risk of pre-term birth and low birth weight in pregnant women who have gum disease.
 

Are You Pregnant or Planning to Get Pregnant?

Woodinville periodontist Dr. Terry L. LaBell provides periodontal evaluations and routine cleanings to prevent pregnancy gingivitis. Furthermore, if you’re pregnant and suspect that you have gum disease, Dr. LaBell can safely address the problem with non-surgical treatment. Call 425.402.1246 or fill out our contact form to set up an evaluation.
 

Added on 03/15/2011

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