Pregnancy and Treatment of Periodontal Disease
Pregnancy and Periodontal Disease
Pregnant women often maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure the health of herself and her baby. Oral health is often overlooked. However, increases in estrogen and progesterone affect how the gums react to bacteria and can result in periodontal disease. Not only does periodontal disease impact the health of the mother, but research shows a higher risk of adverse outcomes to the fetus during pregnancy and delivery.
Several research studies have suggested that women with periodontal disease may be more likely to deliver babies prematurely or with low-birth weight than mothers with healthy gums. Research suggests that 18 in every 100 premature births may be triggered by periodontitis. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), babies with a birth weight of less than 5.5 pounds may be at risk of long-term health problems such as delayed motor skills, social growth, or learning disabilities. Similar complications are true for babies born at least three weeks earlier than its due date. Other issues associated with pre-term birth include respiratory problems, vision and hearing loss, or feeding and digestive problems.\
Maintaining periodontal health is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. The clinical recommendations released by the AAP and the EFP state that non-surgical periodontal therapy is safe for pregnant women. In addition, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released a statement encouraging pregnant women to sustain their oral health and recommended regular dental cleanings during pregnancy. Some symptoms of maternal periodontitis include:
- Gum soreness
- Sensitive teeth
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- A change in bite or alignment of teeth
Aurora Periodontal Can Help
There can be high risks associates with permitting periodontal disease to continue without proper treatment. However, gum disease caught in its early stages can be treated quickly and painlessly.
Our in-office procedures such as LANAP® offers minimally invasive solutions that are more conservative, results in less pain and faster healing.