To get straight to the point: studies have shown a direct correlation between gum disease in pregnant women and premature births of their babies. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, "pregnant women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that's born too early and too small." They believe this is linked to a "labor-inducing chemical found in oral bacteria called prostaglandin." Higher amounts of oral bacteria lead to higher prostaglandin levels in the body, which can throw off a pregnant woman's natural clock for beginning labor. This of course then leads to preterm labor and birth.Periodontal disease is an inflammatory process, most often caused by bacteria, that affects the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth. Not all periodontal disease is characterized by severe bone loss around the teeth. Gingivitis is actually a milder form of this disease.
This sounds scary and it definitely can be, but realize that this is an easily preventable situation when you maintain good home care and compliment that with professional support.
Here are some tips to store in the ol' memory bank:
- If you are thinking of getting pregnant (or pregnant already), maintain your regular check ups with your dentist both before becoming pregnant and also during your pregnancy. Regular cleanings are an important step to maintaining healthy gums, as your hygienist is able to remove bacteria-harboring build up that you are not able to remove at home.
- Dental xrays are very low radiation, but are typically avoided during pregnancy. They are usually only taken on a "must have" basis, in which case they can be safely administered under the protection of lead aprons. Ideally, have your routine xrays taken shortly before a planned pregnancy.
- Dental treatment (fillings, etc) can be completed during pregnancy. If it is not an emergency, it is recommended to have any necessary treatment completed during the 2nd trimester. Again, ideally have a thorough exam completed before pregnancy, so any necessary treatment can be finished beforehand. Any elective treatment needs to wait until after the baby is born.
- Take time for yourself. We see this with a lot of young mothers and mothers to be...their minds are consumed with the baby and they don't think to take time for themselves. Make sure you still think of you each day and give yourself time to maintain a good home regiment for taking care of your mouth.
- Brushing AND Flossing becomes even more important! With hormonal changes going on, the gums respond more severely to plaque, which leads to heavier inflammation than in a woman who is not pregnant. Brushing alone is not good enough, you've got to floss as well. Most periodontal disease processes begin between the teeth.
