This article explores the implications that pregnancy has upon a woman’s oral health in terms of the risk of gum disease, and vice versa. 

The Family Dentist in Green Bay: Introduction

This may come as somewhat of a surprise, but according to the family dentist in Green Bay, expecting women are at a higher risk of developing gum disease! The relationship between pregnancy and the occurrence of gum disease in Green Bay – an acute oral bacterial infection – is so well documented that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry even releases oral health guidelines for women that are expecting a child. But the relationship goes both ways. The hormones your body naturally produces leaves pregnant women more vulnerable to oral bacterial infection, while at the same time, oral bacterial infection is known to cause complications in pregnancy and child birth. In fact, woman with gum disease in Green Bay frequently give birth to premature babies, which poses severe health risks for these typically underweight babies. It is because of this dangerous link that expecting women absolutely need to pay the family dentist in Green Bay regular visits throughout their pregnancy (www.dentistgreenbay.com).

What the Family Dentist in Green Bay Recommends

Pregnancy gingivitis is an extremely common form of gum disease in Green Bay that is characterized by a bacterial infection of the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. Generally brought on by the rapidly changing hormonal levels associated with pregnancy, the symptoms include inflammation, swelling, bad breath and weakened gums that subsequently tear easier when brushing. The family dentist in Green Bay recommends that all expectant mothers be very thorough about their oral hygiene routine during this time.

The fundamental reason for this is because gingivitis can quite easily become aggravated in to a far more serious condition known as periodontitis. Once this has happened, the treatment required becomes more invasive and expensive for the patient. This is not to mention the far more serious symptoms (bone loss leading to tooth mobility and eventual loss) and risks for the unborn baby. Due to the labor-inducing chemical Prostaglandin, which is released by oral bacteria, pregnant women with periodontitis are seven times more likely to give birth to premature babies. As a result, expecting mothers should set up regular appointments with the family dentist in Green Bay so that he can deal effectively and promptly with any signs of oral infection… before it starts causing problems.

The Family Dentist in Green Bay: Dealing with Pregnancy Gingivitis

According to the family dentist in Green Bay, there is no way to really ‘prevent’ pregnancy gingivitis and it inevitably develops in a staggering 50% of all pregnant women! Only regular brushing and flossing can keep oral bacteria from flourishing. If you are expecting a child and are especially concerned about the risk of developing gum disease in Green Bay, then there are additional measures that you can take to protect both your oral health and the unborn child:

• Use a fluoride toothpaste
• Brush your teeth after every meal, not just twice a day
• Gargle after meals with an anti-bacterial mouthwash
• Eat balanced meals and limit your sugar-intake and acidic beverages: this will reduce plaque build-up during the day
• Drink plenty of water

While pregnancy gingivitis can sometimes be unavoidable due to fluctuating hormonal levels, this need not pose a threat to expecting mothers and their babies. Make sure you let the family dentist in Green Bay know whether you are expecting a child so he can monitor your oral health for any signs or symptoms that may require additional therapy during this vulnerable time (www.cosmeticdentistrygreenbaywisconsin.com).