Periodontal Disease during Pregnancy

Those months leading up to a birth are always going to be a mixture of excitement and trepidation.  When parents want what is best for their soon-to-be baby, any injury, illness, or disease is going to be cause for concern.  This is why our Beverly Hills dentist believes that all expectant mothers should be aware of some of the serious issues that can take place in the gums and teeth during a pregnancy.

All parts of a mother’s body are affected during pregnancy, and tissue within the mouth is no exception.  Some studies show that nearly half of pregnant women experience periodontal disease in its most mild form, gingivitis.  This condition is marked by uncomfortable swelling, bleeding, redness, and tenderness with the gum tissue.  It is exacerbated by the dry mouth that many pregnant women will experience also.

New studies have also shown startling links between periodontal disease and preterm, low birth-weight babies.  While the research is still underway, this information should be read carefully by all expectant mothers.

Most specialists recommend one complete checkup and periodontal treatment around the fifth month of the pregnancy.  If we discover any level of periodontal disease at that time, we may begin to discuss treatment options that may include a thorough cleaning, mouthwashes, and future checkups before the birth.

When parents are expecting a baby, it is a time to be joyous not nervous.  This is why all pregnant women should make a call to your dental offices.  We offer a full line of services that are going to keep your oral health and overall well-being as perfect as possible until the baby arrives.

Source: Dr. Kevin Sands, Dentist in Beverly Hills

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