Old wives’ tales say that women lose a tooth with every pregnancy. While luckily that’s not the case, it is true that women can become more prone to gum disease when they are pregnant, says Dr. Mark Gustavson, who is a partner at Affiliated Dentists in Madison, Wisconsin. Here, he talks about why this happens - and why it can so easily be prevented.
A woman’s body changes dramatically during her pregnancy, and this is especially true when it comes to gum tissue and pregnancy. Her volume of blood increases, her blood pressure usually increases as well, and the hormone levels in her body are essentially all over the map.
With those three things occurring in combination with each other, there is an obvious result in most women. Usually, they get more blood and hormones in the gum tissue around the teeth, leading to a little bit more swelling in the gum tissue, as well as an increased incidence of gingivitis.
This means that even a small amount of plaque or tartar on the teeth is more likely to inflame the gum tissue. So even a woman who had perfect oral hygiene before her pregnancy will sometimes be more prone to having bleeding in the gums when she is pregnant, and will need to be more vigilant about her flossing and brushing techniques. It is also important to see your dentist and hygienist at least once, if not more often, during your pregnancy, most likely during your second trimester.
Periodontal Disease
There is also the concern that gingivitis or gum disease can worsen and transform itself into periodontal disease, which would mean a loss of bone, along with resultant gum problems. Because of the risk of this happening, some insurance companies are now paying for more than one cleaning for women during pregnancy, and also allowing for extra cleanings in the entire year of their pregnancy overall, because of the increased risk of gum disease as well.
Cleaning your teeth regularly, flossing and going to the dentist as well as the hygienist are the most important things to remember to do if you are pregnant. You also need to understand that if you do get bleeding during brushing and flossing, it is still important to continue with your good oral hygiene habits. Do not be concerned that the bleeding could cause problems as regular brushing and flossing are doing more good than harm, even if your gums bleed a bit.
Healthy Diet
A healthy diet during pregnancy is also important, for so many reasons. Your gums and your mouth are attached to your body, just like everything else is, and your overall health is incredibly important to your oral heath as well. So eat well, brush and floss regularly, see your dentist and hygienist, and relax.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
