Pregnancy & Oral Health – Kimberly Rosen DDS

During pregnancy, women naturally have an increased focus on their own health as well as that of their baby. From morning sickness, to taking additional multivitamins, to reviewing their diet, there are many things to consider.

One thing that may not be at the top of the list of considerations is oral health. Pregnancy causes an increased risk of gingivitis, the centers for disease control (CDC) reporting that 60–75% of pregnant women today have gingivitis.

Dental plaque initiates gingival inflammation in pregnancy. When plaque bacteria build up and the plaque becomes thick and dense. It then becomes more toxic and can lead to inflammation of the gums called gingivitis.

A healthy mouth has minimal plaque build-up. Without plaque build-up in the mouth, bad bacteria cannot multiply, cause cavities or gum inflammation (gingivitis). If gingivitis is left untreated it can progress to periodontal disease.

Why is good oral health important before and during pregnancy? During pregnancy your hormones may cause your gums to be more susceptible to swelling and irritation. It’s important that you keep plaque under control.

During pregnancy the body increases the production of hormones, estrogen, progesterone and relaxin.  There is a strong link between increasing levels of these hormones and the increasing severity of gingivitis in pregnancy. It is thought that progesterone in particular increases the permeability of blood capillaries in the gingiva making the tissue more sensitive to bacteria and its toxins. Good oral hygiene combined with removal of plaque through preventative measures has been shown to reduce gingivitis by 50% in pregnant women.

Make sure to visit your dental professionals more frequently during this time. If you have any questions or concerns, you may call the office of Kimberly A. Rosen, DDS @ (661)255-2545. Visit our website at: www.kimrosendds.com.