Pregnant women who receive dental care regularly may minimise their risk of premature birth, a study has found
Did you know that pregnant women are more likely to develop gingivitis ? a common form of periodontal disease? This is due to hormones affecting the way in which the periodontal (gum) tissues respond to oral plaque. It is so common that gingivitis affects up to 70% of pregnant women! It is important for pregnant women to take care of their oral health, as if neglected gingivitis can become severe periodontitis, which can result in bone and tooth loss.
Severe periodontitis can increase the risk of:
- Premature (preterm) births and low birth weight
- Pre-eclampsia (toxaemia)
- Pregnancy diabetes (gestational diabetes)
New study finds maintaining good oral health can lower the risk of premature birth?
Researchers from Harvard School of Dental Medicine have discovered that pregnant women with periodontal disease benefited greatly from having a complete teeth clean. This helped to remove the accumulation of oral plaque on teeth and around the gum line, which helped reduce the risk of severe periodontitis.
The study found a 34% reduction in the danger of preterm births for pregnant women who suffered from periodontal disease after receiving optimal dental care.
Important dental health tips to abide by when pregnant?
At Image Dental located in Applecross we want all of our patients to adhere to optimal oral health routines, especially our pregnant patients. In order to give yourself a healthy mouth and your child the best start in life, you should:
- Brush at least twice daily with a toothpaste containing fluoride and a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Quit smoking!
- Drink tap water
- Eat healthy for healthy teeth and gums
- Avoid sticky and sugary foods that can easily get stuck in the teeth
- If you are physically sick, be sure to rinse your mouth with water and delay brushing for about 30 minutes
- Visit our Applecross dental practice early in your pregnancy so we can check the condition of your periodontal tissue
Other research has shown pregnancy causes other significant changes in the mouth?
During pregnancy there are a lot of changes happening in the body to accommodate the unborn child, and many of these changes happen in your mouth:
- Pregnancy hormones change the blood supply to the periodontal tissue, and make gingivitis more easily developed
- Morning sickness increases the acidity in the mouth, which in turn increases the risk of tooth decay
At Image Dental in Applecross we look after you?
Periodontal disease is widely known as the ?silent disease? because many patients do not even know they have it. At Image Dental we are committed to supplying you with the highest quality care so you can have healthy, strong periodontal tissue throughout and after your pregnancy.
We take expert care in all aspects of dentistry, and can help you maintain the health of your teeth and gums so you can give your child the best start in life. Our general, preventive and cosmetic dental procedures are unsurpassed in quality and effectiveness.