Gums and Pregnancy

Promoting and encouraging good healthy practices during pregnancy is the responsibility of health care providers. Awareness is important for mothers to be when it comes to the health of the mother and child. To maximize total health care, obstetricians should encourage dental and periodontal examinations during pregnancy. It is best to see your dentist in the early stages of pregnancy especially if you have not had routine dental care.

The fetus has three stages of development-first, second, and third trimester. A typical pregnancy of gestation period is 40 weeks. A baby born prior to 37 weeks is referred to as a premature birth. During the first trimester all organ systems form-tooth buds develop and the lips and palate are formed. The most critical time of the development of the fetus is during this trimester. Poor nutrition, drugs, and infections are some of the sources that affect the embryo. Gum disease affects about 80% of our population. There are many types of infections that can invade the oral cavity causing mild to severe infections. More severe infections such as periodontitis (gum disease in latter stages) not only renders an unhealthy environment for the mother to be but also increases the risk for a low weight premature birth.

During pregnancy gums may appear red, swollen, and bleeding may occur. Some of these are the result of poor hygiene care and other factors are hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. It is not unusual to see lesions appear on the gums during pregnancy. They are called pregnancy granulomas or tumors. These should be evaluated by your health care provider.

Expectant mothers need to be aware that frequent vomiting (morning sickness) can lead to erosion of the tooth enamel due to the stomach acid making contact with the teeth. Your dentist or hygienist may recommend a sodium bicarbonate rinse which is a mixture of salt and warm water to help neutralize the acid.

If restorative dental treatment is needed, the second trimester is the best time to complete this type of care. It is advisable to see the hygienist every 3 months during your pregnancy to help maintain optimal cleanliness of your gums for the mother as well as the child's benefit.