If you are pregnant, you are undoubtedly experiencing a slew of new health concerns. While you may find yourself focused on nutrition, and obstetric and gynecological health, your oral health should not be neglected during pregnancy. While pregnant, be sure you maintain good dental health by brushing and flossing. You should also speak with your dentist about special concerns that may arise during pregnancy. According to Dr. Frantz Backer, lead dentist at Advanced Dentistry of New York, in Jackson Heights, New York, gingivitis is a special concern for women who are pregnant. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and is considered an early stage of gum disease. Dr. Backer explains, “It’s been shown that gingivitis is common during pregnancy due to elevated hormone levels in the body. Pregnant women are encouraged to continue their regular dental check-ups and to maintain decent oral hygiene.”
Dr. Backer encourages his patients to postpone routine dental treatments during the first trimester of pregnancy to reduce the dangers of radiation or anesthetics. If you continue to brush and floss diligently, postponing a dental cleaning or cavity treatment should not be aproblem. However, following the first trimester, it is important to schedule a dental visit. In addition to the other changes occurring in your body, the increased hormone levels during pregnancy often mean changes in oral health. You may find your gums tender and swollen, making it painful to care for your teeth as you normally would. This swelling is a result of the body storing fluid that is used to nourish the placenta, which is the organ connecting the baby in the uterus to the mother. While your gums and the placenta are not directly related, the overall increase in fluid affects all cells in your body, resulting in puffy, tender tissue, including the gums.
How Do You Recognize Pregnancy Gingivitis?
The gum inflammation that leads to pregnancy gingivitis can arise within weeks of becoming pregnant, but often begins around the second month. You may initially notice a slight tenderness or redness to the gums, and if you continue with your routine oral care like brushing and flossing, you may aggravate the tenderness. As the gum tissue becomes more aggravated, you may notice bleeding and additional pain.
Prevention
While gingivitis is common in pregnant women, it is important to remember that it is still the growth of bacteria and not the pregnancy hormones causing the problem. The hormones make it painful and difficult to care for your teeth properly, indirectly creating a problem that is avoidable. You and your dentist will need to find gentler ways of preventing the growth of bacteria during a time when it may hurt to perform your usual oral healthcare regimen. Preventing pregnancy gingivitis may be as simple as switching to a soft-bristle toothbrush or substituting a water pick for flossing while you are pregnant. Continue to brush twice a day and use an antimicrobial mouth rinse. If you find there are times during the day when your gums are less tender, consider flossing during these times. If the pain is still unbearable, speak with your dentist about over-the-counter sensitivity treatments that are safe to use during pregnancy that may lessen or numb the pain.
If you are pregnant, you have probably already made changes in your diet, but pregnancy gingivitis gives you even more reason to eat healthy and avoid sugary foods. Nuts, dairy, and vegetables are great substitutes for sugary foods. If you have a sugar craving, try a piece of fruit instead of cookies, cakes, and candies. If nausea is a problem during your pregnancy and you chew gum to settle your stomach, be sure to choose one that is sugar free.
Premature Birth
Some dentists and doctors believe there may be a connection between gum disease and premature birth. There is disagreement among medical professionals as to whether treatment during pregnancy lessens the risk of premature birth, so women of childbearing years are encouraged to pay special attention to their oral health. Dr. Backer urges all of his patients to err on the side of caution and do their best to maintain optimum oral health.
If you are pregnant and you have concerns about gum disease and oral health, speak with your dentist about repairing damage and improving the condition of your teeth and gums. Dr. Frantz Backer of Advanced Dentistry of New York will be able to help you maintain optimum oral health before, during, and after pregnancy.
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.
