During pregnancy a woman experiences many physical changes, and often some of these changes come as a surprise. It is common for a pregnant women to experience an increase in dental problems during pregnancy. Why does this occur?  The answer is that your body is in a different state - just as other tissues in your body are affected by hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy, so are your teeth and gums. At our San Bruno Periodontics Dental Office, we know that the health of your gums may also affect the health of your unborn child.

How Pregnancy Affects Teeth and Gums
‘Pregnancy Gingivitis’ affects about half of all women who become pregnant. This condition can cause swelling, bleeding, redness or tenderness in the gum tissue. A more serious condition, periodontal disease (a serious gum infection), may affect the health of your baby.

Periodontal Disease and Preterm or Low Birth-Weight Babies
Studies have suggested that a possible relationship exists between periodontal disease and preterm, low birth weight babies. However, research in this area is inconclusive. Because pregnant women with periodontal disease have a potential to have a baby born too early and too small, maintaining periodontal health during pregnancy is a wise precaution in any event.

Steps you can take to Avoid Periodontal Disease
Obviously, a lifelong routine of proper oral hygiene, regular dental exams and cleanings at our San Bruno Periodontal Dentistry are the best preventative for gum disease whether you plan to become pregnant or not. Once you do become pregnant, be sure to advise our office and make an appointment for a dental cleaning early in your pregnancy so that we can monitor you for any adverse changes. It is also wise to plan this early on as sitting in a dentist’s chair can become uncomfortable later in pregnancy.

Hormonal changes cause an increase in plague production which can lead to decay. If you are not already doing so, be sure that you are following a diligent at-home oral hygiene routine, brushing after meals, flossing twice a day and avoiding sweets (or at least brushing immediately after).