Maternal Health
Gingivitis During Pregnancy
Maintaining a healthy pregnancy requires expectant mothers to learn a wide range of new habits. But it can take more than just exercise and a nutritious diet to give your baby the best chance of a healthy delivery. Oral health plays a bigger role in the health of your baby than you might realize.
Many expectant mothers wonder, "Can gum disease harm my unborn baby?" In fact, there is a strong connection between low birth-weight babies and periodontal disease such as gingivitis. Inflammation in the gums caused by periodontitis can have a negative effect on unborn babies, increasing the likelihood of premature births, low birth weight, preeclampsia, and miscarriage.
Pregnant mothers with periodontal disease have a:
- 30-50% higher risk of giving birth pre-term
- 800% higher risk of giving pre-term birth if their peritonitis is moderate or worse
Oral Care During Pregnancy
Periodontal disease is caused by the buildup of harmful bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause bacteria in the mouth to accumulate, including those that cause periodontitis. A 2011 study found that 40% of pregnant women have some form of periodontal disease.
How We Can Help
At Durango Health Group, we collaborate with the oral health professionals at Durango Dental Group to include oral care as part of your health maintenance regimen during pregnancy. Salivary diagnostic testing is one way to assess your risk of periodontal disease and the associated risks to your baby.
If you're wondering, "Why are my gums swollen while pregnant?" call us today. By addressing the Mouth-Body Connection® for whole-body health, we can provide expectant mothers your best chance of healthy pregnancies.