As you've heard from Chris Rollins on 94.5, a periodontal evaluation should be included as part of pre-natal care.

Here's why: the health of your gums may affect the health of your baby-to-be!
The test came back and it's positive - you're pregnant. Your mind is rattled with excitement, and you have created a "to-do." While your "to-do" list and questions continue to grow, it's important to take the necessary steps to ensure an on-time and safe arrival of your most precious cargo yet.

You've probably heard a few old wives' tales about pregnancy, including "A tooth lost for every child." While it seems far-fetched, it actually is based loosely in fact. Your teeth and gums are affected by pregnancy, just as other tissues in your body. You may not be aware that the health of your gums may also affect the health of your baby-to-be.

How does pregnancy affect your teeth and gums?
About half of women experience pregnancy gingivitis. This condition can be uncomfortable and cause swelling, bleeding, redness or tenderness in the gum tissue. Conversely, a more advanced oral health condition called periodontal disease (a serious gum infection that destroys attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold teeth in the mouth) may affect the health of your baby.

Is periodontal disease linked to preterm low birthweight babies?
Studies have shown a relationship between periodontal disease and preterm, low birthweight babies. In fact, pregnant women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that's born too early and too small. The likely culprit is a labor-inducing chemical found in oral bacteria called prostaglandin. Very high levels of prostaglandin are found in women with severe cases of periodontal disease.

What if I'm diagnosed with periodontal disease during
pregnancy?
If you're diagnosed with periodontal disease by a Brighter Dental periodontist, they might recommend a common non-surgical procedure called scaling and root planing. During this procedure, your tooth-root surfaces are cleaned to remove plaque and tartar from deep periodontal pockets and smooth the root to remove bacterial toxins. Research suggests that scaling and root planing may reduce the risk of preterm births in pregnant women with periodontal disease. The added bonus is that the procedure should alleviate many of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with pregnancy gingivitis, such as swelling and tenderness of the gums.

Steps to Protect Oral Health
Careful periodontal monitoring and excellent oral hygiene is especially important for women who may be noticing changes in their mouths during times of hormonal fluctuation. To help ensure good oral (and overall) health, be sure to:

Visit us at Brighter Dental for a cleaning at least twice a year.

Pay careful attention to your gum tissue, such as:

• Bleeding gums during brushing
  
• Red, swollen or tender gums
  
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
  
• Persistent bad breath
  
• Pus between the teeth and gums
  
• Loose or separating teeth
  
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  
• A change in the fit of your dentures