When you are pregnant, you are excited about the upcoming addition to your family, but also you are trying to adjust to your hormonal changes, which not only give you a roller coaster of emotions, but also impact your oral health.
Because of your surge in hormones of estrogen and progesterone, they can exaggerate the way your gum tissues react to plaque. Plaque can build-up more than usual, and if it isn’t removed, it can cause “pregnancy gingivitis”. This means you have red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. It might begin to show up as early as your second month of pregnancy.
Research suggests a link between preterm, low-birthweight babies and gingivitis. Excessive bacteria can enter the bloodstream through your gums, travel to your uterus and trigger the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which are suspected to induce premature labor.
To help prevent gingivitis, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and visit your dentist for a bi-annual teeth cleaning. During your teeth cleaning, your dentist can easily remove built-up plaque, which protects your oral health and your baby’s health.
If you are in need of a teeth cleaning, contact the friendly, experienced staff at the Lakeway Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry today and set-up your appointment.