Choose a Pediatric Dentist for Your Child's Smile

« Back to Home

How Gum Disease Can Affect You During Pregnancy

Posted on

If you are currently pregnant, you must be aware of the health of your gums and how they can impact your baby. There are serious complications that can happen during pregnancy due to gum disease, so it should not be taken lightly. By understanding the risks or inadequate oral hygiene, you can prevent it from causing any harm to your baby.

Risks

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, happens when bacteria infects your teeth, gums, and even the surrounding bone. The bacteria can enter your bloodstream, and eventually travel to your unborn child by entering the fetus.

Gum disease causes risks during a pregnancy that can affect you or your baby, including:

  • Premature birth
  • Low baby birth weight

Prevention

Babies that are premature or underweight have a higher chance of suffering a health problem after being born. Thankfully, practicing proper oral hygiene while pregnant can protect your baby from having these health complications.

It is important that you take steps to maintain healthy gums, even before you are pregnant. If you already had gum disease before your pregnancy occurred, treating the problem can lower the chance of a complication happening to your child.

The simplest solution to preventing gum disease is to brush your teeth two times or more each day, floss with each brushing, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings and inspections.

Warning Signs

If you are pregnant, you are more prone to problems with your health because of all the hormonal changes you are going through. Developing gingivitis, an early form of gum disease, is actually common in women who are pregnant. It can leave your gums feeling tender and looking red, with possible swelling or bleeding.

Leaving gingivitis untreated is what can lead to gum disease forming. If you notice these severe signs, be sure to visit a dentist immediately.

  • Constant bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Pockets of pus on your gums
  • Receding gums

Treatment

If gum disease does occur during pregnancy, you will need to undergo treatment to correct it. The most common procedure used on pregnant women is called scaling and planning. It is an aggressive teeth-cleaning method that is safe during pregnancy. Having the treatment done is not enough to minimize the risks of gum disease while pregnant, as the treatment must be successful.

By being aware of the risks of gum disease during your pregnancy, you will pay more attention to your oral hygiene and prevent complications from happening. Visit a dentist, such as Kokkirala Rajeshwer, to monitor your dental health.


Share