Gum Disease & Pregnancy

January 9, 2012 | Categories: General Dentistry, Oral Hygiene

Pregnant women have a lot to worry about, considering the child they are carrying inside of them. It’s always important to be mindful of your health when pregnant, else risk not only your life, but the baby’s as well. For this reason it is wise to maintain a regular appointment schedule with not only your doctor, but your dentist as well.

Hormones run wild in a pregnant woman’s body. A side-effect of these rampant hormones is swollen or irritated gums. Swollen gums are much more susceptible to disease than they are under normal circumstances. Therefore, pregnant women should take extra special care of their teeth and mouth while pregnant.

Like any other health issue a pregnant mother might have, gum disease or gingivitis can also affect the unborn baby. Proper care of your mouth is essential at this time, especially right at the beginning of your pregnancy.

Most dentists will suggest that a complete examination of the teeth and mouth should be done as soon as possible, after inception. If there are any serious issues, it is best to address them as early as possible. The later in a pregnancy a problem arises, a cavity for example, the more difficult it will be to correct.

Lastly, once the baby has been born it is also wise to have another complete examination. Allow the dentist to see if any serious damage, that couldn’t be addressed while pregnant, can now be corrected – a procedure requiring painkilling medication for example. So soon-to-be mothers; keep your teeth and mouth clean, not just for your sake, but for your child’s sake as well.