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Whole Body Health - Pregnancy

Whole Body Health - Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women naturally have an increased focus on their own health as well as that of their baby. From morning sickness, to taking additional multivitamins, to reviewing their diet, there are many things to consider.

One thing that may not be at the top of the list of considerations is oral health. pregnancy causes an increased risk of gingivitis, with the centers for disease control (CDC) reporting that 60–75% of pregnant women today have gingivitis.1

Dental plaque initiates gingival inflammation in pregnancy.

When plaque bacteria builds up and the plaque becomes thick and dense. It then becomes more toxic and can lead to inflammation of the gums called gingivitis.

A healthy mouth has minimal plaque build-up. Without plaque build-up in the mouth, bad bacteria cannot multiply, cause cavities or gum inflammation (gingivitis).

If gingivitis is left untreated it can progress to periodontal disease.

Why is good oral health important before and during pregnancy?

During pregnancy your hormones may cause your gums to be more susceptible to swelling and irritation. It’s really important that you keep plaque under control.

During pregnancy the body increases the production of hormones; estrogen, progesterone and relaxin. 2 Here is a strong link between increasing levels of these hormones and the increasing severity of gingivitis in pregnancy. 2 It is thought that progesterone in particular increases the permeability of blood capillaries in the gingiva making the tissue more sensitive to bacteria and its toxins. 3, 4

Good oral hygiene combined with removal of plaque through preventative measures has been shown to reduce gingivitis by 50% in pregnant women.

Whole Body Health - Pregnancy - Periodontitis Chart

The warning signs of gum disease to look out for in pregnancy9

Gingivitis

  • Red, swollen or tender gums

  • Bleeding gums

  • Persistent bad breath

Periodontitis

  • Receding gums

  • Loose teeth

  • Sensitive teeth

  • Pain when chewing

References

1. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

2. Loe H. Periodontal changes in pregnancy. J Periodontol 1965; 36:209-217

3. Hugoson A. Gingivitis in pregnant women. A longitudinal clinical study. Odontol Revy 1971. 22:65-84.

4. Stamm JW. Epidemiology of gingivitis. J Clin Periodontol 1986; 13:360-366.

5. Loe H. Periodontal changes in pregnancy. J Periodontol 1965; 36:209-217.

6. Daalderop LD,Wieland BV, Tomsin K, Reyes L, Kramer BW, Vanterpool SF. Periodontal disease and pregnancy outcomes: Overview of systematic reviews. JDR Clinical & Translational Research 2018. 3:10-27.

7. Chambrone L, Guglielmetti MR, Pannati CM, Chambrone LA. Evidence grade associating periodontitis to preterm birth and/ or low birth weight: I. A systematic review of prospective cohort studies. J Clin Periodontol 2011; 38:795-808.

8. Conde-Agudelo A, Villar J, Lindheimer M. Maternal infection and risk of preeclampsia: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008; Jan:7-22.

9. NHS UK. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease/symptoms/ [Last accessed: 07 December 2020]