When a woman becomes pregnant her body will undergo metabolic and other changes. The need to protect the health of the mother and the unborn child is something everyone is aware of. There are many aspects to ensuring good health during pregnancy. A major consideration of prenatal health, which is often overlooked, is gum health.
Gum health is not limited to the health of the gums. Any oral ailment can affect the gums and vice versa. That means that gum health relates to any medical condition that affects the mouth. Studies show that being pregnant may increase the risk of oral health concerns. For example, some research shows that there is a link between poor gum health and premature birth.
The Impact of Pregnancy on Gum Health
The changes in your body and activities during pregnancy can affect your health in many ways. The following are most often seen:
- Changes in the levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone can increase the risk of developing oral health problems.
- Your eating habits will change. You may eat more of certain foods during pregnancy than you did before and less of others. As your nutritional requirements change, you may be advised to modify your dietary habits. These changes in your diet can affect your gum health and make you more prone to oral diseases.
- Many women experience tender gums during pregnancy. These could cause them to bleed while brushing which opens the door to infections.
Also Read: What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Common Gum and Mouth Ailments During Pregnancy
Among the common ailments seen in pregnant women are:
- Gingivitis: This is a condition where the gums become red and inflamed. Over 60% of pregnant women suffer from this. Even gentle brushing can cause the gums to bleed which increases the risk of infection that could spread to other parts of the body.
- Periodontal Disease (Periodontitis): If gingivitis stays untreated, it can cause periodontal disease which may lead to serious gum infection that could spread to the rest of the body (and even to the fetus) through the bloodstream. The bones that hold the teeth in place could also get affected, causing the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.
- Loose Teeth: High levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause the tissue and bones that hold the teeth in place to become weak. This can lead to loose and shaky teeth that could eventually either fall out or require the dentist to extract them.
- Tooth Erosion: Morning sickness that causes vomiting and the acid reflux that many women experience during pregnancy can lead to high levels of stomach acid remaining in the mouth which can eat away teeth enamel causing the teeth to erode.
- Pregnancy Tumours (Pyogenic Granuloma): These are not caused by cancer. They are small lumps that develop on the gums, usually between the teeth. They are raw, red and bleed easily, with the increased risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream. They are caused by an excess of plaque (a thin film of bacteria) forming on the teeth. They usually disappear after the baby’s birth, but the condition should not be ignored and should be examined by a dentist.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
The symptoms of gum disease are the same whether you are pregnant or not. However, because of the increased health risks from bad gum health during pregnancy, your healthcare provider must be informed of any symptoms without delay. The symptoms include:
- Loose or shaky teeth.
- Bad breath.
- Increasing space between the teeth.
- Mouth sores.
- Lumps on the gums.
- Pus collecting along the gum line.
- Gums that pull back from the teeth (often to the extent of exposing the roots).
- Toothaches or any type of pain in the mouth.
- Gums that are tender, red and bleed easily.
Treating Gum Disease During Pregnancy
There are no set or specific dental treatments for women who are pregnant. If you have a gum or oral health issue, your dentist (whom you have informed of your pregnancy), will evaluate the extent of the problem and decide if treatment is required right away or if it will be better for both the mother and the unborn child to postpone the treatment till after the birth. If medication is required, the type and dosage will be prescribed keeping in mind the safety of both the mother and the fetus. Your dentist may consult your OB/GYN before deciding on any course of action. In case any oral surgery is essential, your OB/GYN will again be consulted before any decision is taken on the type and extent of the surgery.
Do not worry if a dental x-ray is required to diagnose a dental condition. These use very small amounts of radiation and pose no danger to you or your baby. You will also be given special protection to insulate yourself and the baby from any radiation.
Good gum health is always important but even more so during pregnancy. Even a common problem like a tooth cavity or a gum infection could cause bacteria to be passed on to the unborn fetus which could, in turn, result in the child getting affected with long-term health issues. Visit a dental clinic as soon as you become pregnant so that your oral health can be closely monitored. Potential problems can thus be identified so that action to prevent them from becoming health issues can be taken. Existing gum health issues can be monitored to ensure that they have no impact on the fetus. Since the mouth is just one of the parts of the body affected by pregnancy, going to a dental clinic that is part of a leading multispecialty hospital is the right course of action. Such a clinic will have the best dentists and dental equipment and technology to ensure that you receive world-class dental care. Additionally, since the clinic is part of a multispecialty hospital, if consultation with or treatment by other medical specialists or departments is required, this will be available without the need to go to different medical facilities. The health, security and comfort of the mother and her unborn child will be in the best hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does pregnancy affect gum health?
During pregnancy, hormonal changes and shifts in dietary habits can increase the risk of developing oral health problems, including gum disease. This makes it crucial to monitor and maintain good gum health throughout pregnancy.
2. What are common gum and mouth problems during pregnancy?
Common issues include gingivitis (inflamed, bleeding gums), periodontal disease (serious gum infection), loose teeth, tooth erosion from morning sickness, and pregnancy tumors (non-cancerous lumps on the gums).
3. What are the symptoms of gum disease during pregnancy?
Symptoms include loose or shaky teeth, bad breath, mouth sores, lumps on the gums, pus along the gum line, receding gums, toothaches, and red, tender gums that bleed easily.
4. How is gum disease treated during pregnancy?
Treatment will depend on the severity of the condition and the safety of the mother and unborn child. The dentist may consult with your OB/GYN before deciding on any course of action, which could include medication, monitoring, or postponing treatment until after birth.
5. Is it safe to have dental X-rays during pregnancy?
Yes, dental X-rays use minimal radiation and are generally safe during pregnancy. Special protective measures will be taken to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.