A very important part of your prenatal care is making sure you stay on top of your oral health. Lots of changes occur in your diet and nutritional needs when you become pregnant, and brushing and flossing can become harder because of the energy drained by growing a tiny person and nausea. It’s sometimes a hard battle to make sure you’re keeping your dental health a priority, but it’s certainly worth it for you and your baby.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stress the importance of preventing cavities and treating gingivitis while pregnant, and they’re not alone in their oral health advocacy for moms. According to the March of Dimes, an organization that advocates for the health of mothers and their babies, there is even some research showing links between gum disease and premature birth.
Know the Early Warning Signs of Gum Disease if You’re Pregnant
The CDC says that the majority of pregnant women, between 60-75%, already have or will experience gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease. It’s the most common oral health issue women will experience during pregnancy. This makes it important for pregnant women to look for the signs in between dental visits. Some of the symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Discolored, red gums
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Gums that feel painful when touched
- Visible signs of inflammation around the teeth
- Squishy or very soft gums
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
Do a spot check for the signs of gum disease especially if you experience bleeding gums while brushing or flossing.
Hormones and Pregnancy Gingivitis
Pregnancy causes your body to shift some of its hormone levels quite dramatically. Progesterone is one of the big ones, and a higher level of progesterone may make you more susceptible to some types of bacteria. Among the suddenly more dangerous bacteria are the same ones on your teeth responsible for the buildup of plaque.
In addition to weakening your body’s resistance to plaque-causing bacteria, increased hormone levels also make your gums react more intensely to plaque and pockets of bacteria below the gumline. Because this is such a common occurrence for pregnant women, it’s often described as “pregnancy gingivitis.”
The Best Way to Prevent Pregnancy Gingivitis and Worse Forms of Gum Disease
There is no old wives tail or folklore that can help you prevent pregnancy gingivitis and more severe forms of gum disease than the fundamentals. These are the same fundamentals any good dentist will send you away with after a checkup: floss at least once each day, brush twice daily, and schedule regular dental appointments. Regular dental cleanings while pregnant are especially important to help you keep your gums healthy.
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