Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Dental Hygiene and Pregnancy

Monday, October 13, 2008

PREGNANCY AND ORAL HEALTH

Did you know that pregnancy is a time to take extra special care of your teeth and gums? Your oral health can affect the general and dental health of your unborn child. Any infection during pregnancy is a cause for concern. A mouth infection, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, can lead to premature birth and low birth weight, putting your unborn baby at serious risk for life long conditions such as cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, or even death. Recent research suggests that the hormones the body releases to trigger labor may be similar to those released in response to an infection. In fact, pregnant women with gum disease are six times more likely to deliver their babies earlier than women with healthy gums. Since tooth decay is an infectious disease, a reduction in maternal cavity-causing bacteria may diminish transmission of these bacteria between mother and child. Other research suggests a link between maternal oral health during pregnancy and the development of early childhood caries in children.

What can you do to ensure a healthy pregnancy?

The best advice for women considering pregnancy is to visit their dentist for a complete exam and to treat any oral problems before becoming pregnant. It is also very important to continue seeing your dentist and hygienist for regular check-ups and dental hygiene visits. This is important because pregnancy gingivitis occurs from increased level of hormones, which exaggerates the way gums react to the irritants in plaque. However, it is still plaque, not hormones that is the major cause of gingivitis. Keeping your teeth clean, especially near the gum line by flossing, brushing and regular hygiene visits every three months will dramatically help reduce or even prevent gingivitis during your pregnancy.

If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with Dr. Mogell or our hygienists, Katherine and Kim, please call our office at (561) 394-9000.

Katherine Danias, R.D.H., BA,

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.