Gum Disease & Pregnancy
New Bedford, Falmouth, & Hyannis, MA
Gum Disease Education provided by Dr. Gus Dehni
and Dr. Chris Webb
in New Bedford, Falmouth, & Hyannis, MA at Center for Advanced Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
 Pregnancy comes with many hormonal changes in the body that somehow increase the risk of a pregnant woman developing numerous oral health issues.
The hormones seriously affect the gums and teeth, thereby resulting in dental problems such as:
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tooth decay
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swelling in gums
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gum disease
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pregnancy gingivitis |
Pregnancy Gingivitis
It has been found that as many as 70 percent of women have a tendency to develop gum inflammation or disease during their pregnancy which is referred to as pregnancy gingivitis. This is one of the most common dental health problems experienced by pregnant women, which is characterized by symptoms such as swollen gums, bleeding gums, bad breath, tender gums, and receding gums.
Pregnancy gingivitis typically occurs between the second and eighth month of pregnancy and can even develop into a risk of tooth loss as well as tooth decay.
Ways to Prevent Pregnancy Gingivitis
Pregnancy gingivitis and other gum diseases in pregnant women have been associated with premature birth, where women are likely to deliver underweight babies as compared to those with healthier teeth and gums. This is why it’s extremely important for women to take special and extra care of their teeth and gums during pregnancy in order to prevent contracting any kind of dental health disease.
There are many ways to prevent pregnancy gingivitis that include the following:
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Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice a day with the help of fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
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Gargling with a mixture of water and sea salt to prevent bleeding and swelling in the teeth and gums.
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Visiting the dentist regularly and keeping up with dental checkups so that they can effectively monitor your oral health and hygiene.
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Flossing your teeth at least once a day.
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Avoiding the consumption of alcohol and tobacco products completely, as they are not only harmful to your dental health but can also seriously affect your baby’s development.
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Eating a healthy diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products in order to boost your overall health as well as to keep the mouth, gums, and teeth in the best condition. |
Common Causes of Dental Issues During Pregnancy
There are many reasons or causes of dental health problems during pregnancy that can include the following:
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vomiting
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gagging while brushing teeth
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consumption of sugary foods and drinks
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not following a proper oral care and hygiene routine |
If you are planning on having a baby, it is best to consult your dentist about possible dental treatments or methods that can be done before you become pregnant.
Schedule an Appointment
In case you are already pregnant and are dealing with oral or dental health issues, it is best to consult a dentist right away to discuss possible treatment options. Contact us at Center for Advanced Periodontics and Implant Dentistry where Dr. Gus Dehni DMD will examine your mouth and dental region in order to find out what can be done about your dental issues. Call us at 508-204-3145 to book an appointment or consultation with our team of dentists who will be happy to help you.
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