Dental care during pregnancy
Q3 Word of Mouth newsletter 2024
Continued dental care and improving an expectant mother’s oral health is an important part of the overall maternal care offered during pregnancy. Normal dental conditions that develop during a woman’s pregnancy include:
- Increased staining
- Dry mouth
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Tooth mobility
- Decay
- Erosion
- Pregnancy granuloma
Dental conditions of the mother that affect the developing baby
Recent studies have demonstrated a significant correlation between the oral health status of pregnant women and the outcomes of their pregnancies. Poor oral health, particularly gum disease, has been identified as a potential risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth, low birth weight and preeclampsia.
The link between gum disease and systemic inflammation is a key factor in understanding how oral health can impact pregnancy. When a pregnant woman suffers from gum disease, the oral bacteria in the mouth have the potential to enter the bloodstream, leading to the activation of inflammatory mediators. These inflammatory chemicals can traverse the placental barrier and potentially pose a threat to the developing fetus.
Moreover, pregnant women afflicted with gum disease exhibit elevated levels of inflammatory markers in their blood, which further heightens the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight.
According to one study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association:
- Pregnant women with chronic gum disease were 4 to 7 times more likely to deliver prematurely (before week 37) and underweight babies than mothers with healthy gums
- Mothers with the most severe periodontal disease delivered the most prematurely at 32 weeks
- Gum disease has been associated with an increased likelihood of developing preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and other potential health risks such as stroke and placental abruption
How you can help
By sharing knowledge and expertise, you and your team can assist pregnant patients to:
- Take a more active role in their oral health
- Provide more effective and targeted care
- Positively impact patient outcomes