Periodontal Disease Treatment Reduces Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

Did you know pregnancy can cause hormonal changes affecting the oral cavity? According to research, signs of periodontal disease are linked to adverse pregnancy results. Some of these unfortunate outcomes include vulvovaginitis, premature rupture membranes, low birth weight, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth. Also, the later stage of gum disease, periodontitis, has serious symptoms. While plaque levels may remain the same during pregnancy, gingival inflammation increases considerably. This inflammation will be at its peak in the 3rd trimester and reduce in three months after postpartum.

One of the ways you can avoid cavities in small kids is by improving pregnant women’s oral health. Generally, oral health is considered an essential part of prenatal care. Besides, poor oral health during pregnancy will lead to adverse health outcomes for the baby and the mother. Expectant women should be aware of the importance of oral health in their prenatal care. Also, they should be provided with tips on how to keep themselves and the infants safe and healthy.

Pregnancy and Periodontal Disease

About 75% of expectant women will experience gingivitis, including an early stage of periodontal disease. Gingivitis happens when the gums swell and become red following inflammation, usually elevated by hormone changes when pregnant. If this periodontal disease fails to be treated, it can lead to the loss of the bone supporting the teeth, and the gums become infected. As a result, teeth having little bone support will become loose and need to be removed.

Pregnancy and Dental Cavities

Expectant women are also at risk of getting cavities following some behavioral changes like eating habits. If you have a lot of cavity-causing bacteria when pregnant and after delivery, you could transmit these bacteria from your mouth to that of the infant. Thus, early contact with sugars and these bacteria can cause early childhood cavities. On the other hand, you will have to seek extensive dental care for your kids at a very young age. According to research:

Children having poor oral health are 3 times more likely to skip school following dental pain.
Kids whose mothers have tooth loss or high levels of untreated cavities are 3 times more likely to experience cavities as a child.
One out of every four women in the childbearing bracket has untreated cavities.

It is essential to consider special care for oral health during pregnancy. Most pregnant females will crave sweet things, significantly affecting plaque formation patterns. Taking healthy foods when pregnant helps decrease periodontal and gingival inflammation. Therefore, maintaining good oral health in pregnant women is crucial for the overall health of neonates and mothers.