Women who suffer from gum disease during pregnancy have an increased risk of lower birth weight, pre-term births, and preeclampsia.Babies born at low birth weights, typically 5 pounds or less, are more likely to develop long-term health disabilities. Many studies have shown that low birthweight is one of the most linked conditions in pregnant women suffering from periodontal disease. Low birth weight babies are more likely to suffer from cognition challenges, difficulty feeding, breathing problems, low oxygen levels, and more.
Periodontal disease triggers an overreaction of the pregnant woman’s immune response system. This response will produce an excess number of inflammatory signals or markers in the blood that can affect many systems within the body. This overreaction can worsen gum health challenges or put otherwise healthy gums at risk for periodontal or gum health issues.
The science of pregnancy and gum health shows how crucial it is for expecting mothers to stay on top of their dental hygiene needs.Simple but effective care can include routine brushing and flossing at home as well as routine dental cleanings and checkups with a dental professional during pregnancy.
For those without periodontal disease prior to pregnancy, there is still a risk to gum health that is often temporary. This temporary condition is known as pregnancy-induced gingivitis. This is due to the increase in hormones throughout the body. The exact reason as to why this happens is not entirely clear; however, many women see an improvement in gum health post-delivery.
All expecting mothers-to-be should be sure to see their dentist before, during, and after pregnancy to ensure they can prevent any complications associated with oral health.