Great Oral Health Contributes To Your Healthy Pregnancy |
Posted: February 16, 2018 |
PREGNANT? KNOW SOMEONE WHO’S PREGNANT? There’s plenty to think about during this time! But while you’re picking out baby clothes and reading up on childcare philosophies, our team reminds you to remember the importance of your oral health. Gum Disease RiskPregnancy brings a heightened level of hormonal activity which can lead to gum sensitivity and increased gum disease risk. And some studies have shown that gum disease could be linked to pre-term labor and other associated risks. The good news is that pregnancy doesn’t cause gum disease—plaque does. So keeping up your great oral habits helps keep you safe. Brush regularly, floss every day, and don’t miss your regular dental checkups. If you’re pregnant, an ideal time to request your check-up appointment is during your second trimester—your pregnancy is stable, but not far enough along to risk any stress-induced problems. Regular Checkups During PregnancyDuring regular checkups, we clean your teeth and gums more thoroughly than you can through brushing and flossing yourself. This is a major step in preventing periodontal disease. In the past, women were sometimes anxious about dental procedures during pregnancy. Typically, there’s never an issue, but be sure to let our practice know you’re expecting so any appropriate adjustments can be made in your care. An Informative Video From Crest Pro-Health:Other Special Concerns
Did You Know?Congratulations on your pregnancy! We’re excited for you!For more information about taking care of your oral health during pregnancy, check out these links from the ADA and Columbia University. And if you have questions, just ask us! You can also comment below, or send us a direct message on our Facebook page. Hormonal Cycles Can Affect GumsPuberty, pregnancy, and menstruation cause increased progesterone and estrogen levels which can lead to increased gum sensitivity. There’s also a condition known as menstruation gingivitis, which can cause some women to experience increased bleeding and swollen gums right before menstruation. This condition is typically not serious and clears up quickly. Gingivitis during pregnancy can be more severe, and may even cause non-cancerous oral tumors. That’s another reason why it’s important for women to keep their regular checkup appointments with their dentist during pregnancy. Oral contraceptives also increase hormonal levels in women’s bodies which can cause increased sensitivity and vulnerability to gum disease. During menopause, hormonal fluctuations can also create oral health problems including dry mouth syndrome, which can significantly add to a woman’s tooth decay risk.
|
||||||||||||||||||
|