Congratulations! In a few months, you're expecting a new baby... but, in the
mean time, your body is adjusting to nausea, weight gain, food cravings, and a
hundred other changes. Is this really the time to worry about your teeth and
gums?
Yes and no — don't worry, but do be aware of a few basic facts about your
oral health and your pregnancy, and how they affect each other.
Being pregnant may make your teeth and gums more sensitive. It also puts you
at greater risk for some periodontal diseases, like pregnancy gingivitis
(“gingival” – gum tissue; “itis” – inflammation of) and benign growths on the
gum called “pregnancy tumors.” You may think these problems are just
uncomfortable, but you should really have them evaluated as soon as they
develop. Why?
Once upon a time, it was believed that periodontal (gum) diseases just
affected the mouth. Today, we think these diseases and their associated bacteria
may be involved with the whole body, playing a role in cardiovascular ailments,
heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and other illnesses.
What's more, recent studies suggest that these oral bacteria may be able to
cross the placenta, stimulating an inflammatory response that may lead to
preterm delivery. Babies who are born pre-term often have low birth weight, and
are at greater risk for a number of health complications. That's one reason why
maintaining good oral health is so important to expectant moms.
So, what should you do? First of all, keep in mind that maintaining your own
general and dental health is the best thing you can do for your developing baby.
Eat a balanced diet, keep up healthy habits — like limiting sugary between-meal
snacks and brushing regularly — and don't put off visiting your dentist to get
your dental cleanings. Those cleanings and a thorough evaluation can set your
mind at ease and give your baby the best chance at a healthy start.
If you would like more information about pregnancy and oral health, please
contact us or
schedule an
appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by
reading the
Dear Doctor magazine articles “
Pregnancy
and Oral Health,” and “
Expectant
Mothers.”
Serving Waukesha, Oconomowoc, and Hartland Wisconsin, Bailey Family Dental is most concerned with your comfort. Drs Terese and Richard Bailey and their friendly staff will explain treatment options and give estimates before you begin your treatments. To learn more, feel free to go to our website at
www.bailyfamilydental.com, or call us at
262-369-8633. Our office is located at 557 Cottonwood avenue, Hartland Wisconsin.