Dental Care During Pregnancy

Did you know that periodontal disease has been linked to low birth weight and premature labor?  The dentist may be the last thing that you think about during this time, but we shouldn’t be.  We want to keep you and that little one as healthy as can be!!  Pregnancy can alter the hormone levels in our body and cause changes in our mouth.  A woman may even form a pregnancy tumor (pyogenic granuloma) on the gums.  This occurs in about 1-5% of women during their pregnancy and is asymptomatic.  As a result of hormone changes, 40% of women will develop gingivitis sometime during her pregnancy.  Factor in an exaggerated gag reflex and you may have a decrease in oral care.  If your oral hygiene is not ideal during pregnancy, the bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and lead to further issues.  As the disease process progresses in the mouth, the type of bacteria changes.  The new bacteria are more dangerous and can harm the precious little one.  Schedule an appointment so we can keep the both of you healthy!