Pregnancy and Periodontal Disease

Complications

Periodontal Disease is an inflammatory disease of the gum tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth that may lead to bone loss, caused by bacterial infections of the mouth linked to poor oral hygiene, although some individuals can have a genetic predisposition to the disease.

This condition is the most common chronic infection in the world, and occurs more often in diabetic patients. In the United States , more than 50% have gingivitis and 30% have periodontitis. In pregnant women, this may occur because of the increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, reached by the third trimester levels to 10 to 30 times higher than those of a typical menstrual cycle may.

Such hormonal production can create the formation of large, isolated growths or lumps in between or around teeth, known as pregnancy tumors that are not cancerous, but associated with areas of irritation, exaggerating the tissue. Treatment of periodontal disease should be delayed until after the woman gives birth.

Most of the time the lacerations caused by the inflammatory process decrease after delivery. However, recent research has found an association between periodontal disease and the incidence of babies born earlier than 37 weeks, with low birth weight, in a proportion of seven times smaller.

A child born prematurely as a result of this condition has increased risk for a number of future disabilities and health problems. Smoking is a risk factor for periodontal disease and for pregnancy, so the pregnant woman should not smoke during the expecting months.

Prevention is better than the cure and worth it for two people: you and your baby. Brushing properly on a regular basis, at least 2 times a day, flossing daily and using inter-dental brushes when there is sufficient space between your teeth and behind the last tooth in each quarter. While you are pregnant, dental checkups must not be skipped.

Dentist can monitor, supervise and suggest hygiene methods, checking how the condition responds to treatment. If you suspect Periodontal Disease, check for any of these signs and undergo treatment as soon as you can:

Shaky teeth in later stages
Halitosis or bad breath
Occasional swellings that recurs
Persistent bad taste in the mouth
Occasional redness while brushing your teeth
Bleeding of gums when brushing or while biting into hard foods
Lack of pain after bleeding occurs
Recession of gums resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth

Research has shown evidence that during pregnancy periodontal disease can progress more rapidly, estimating that about 50% of pregnant women will have pregnancy gingivitis.