It is a well-known fact that maintaining oral health is important for everyone. But it becomes even more important for a pregnant lady. 

Pregnancy is a critical period, and taking utmost care is necessary for both the mother and the baby. Gum disease is one such issue that can significantly affect both mother and baby during pregnancy. 

However, with the right guidance, you can ensure safety for both mother and baby.

In this blog, we will be covering how gum disease can affect expecting moms during pregnancy and what the repercussions can be. You will also get insight on how to take the right care during this critical period. 

What are the Impacts of Gum Disease on Pregnant Women?

During pregnancy, a woman undergoes many hormonal changes in her body. These changes make the gums more sensitive and easily prone to infection. 

Here is a detailed overview of this:

• High Chances of Inflammation

During pregnancy, your body’s susceptibility to bacteria and infection increases. This enhances the chances of gum swelling and redness.

• Risk of Periodontitis

If you already have mild gum disease, be cautious, as it can quickly lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a severe form of gum infection that can damage the gum tissue and its supporting bone. In such a scenario, you might need periodontal surgeries in Irving.

• Complications in Pregnancy

Gum disease also has the potential to contribute to preterm birth. Your fetal development can also be affected by the inflammatory responses.

• Bad Breath

Gum disease also leads to bad breath. Persistent bad breath can again affect your confidence as an individual.

• Effects on Nutritional Intake

Due to gum pain, you might experience difficulty in chewing or eating. This can harm the baby and mother’s nutrition intake. 

Effect of Gum Disease on Baby

Did you know gum disease can affect your baby before birth?

Learn how it does so:

• Research shows pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to give premature birth. This can again lead to various health issues for the bay.
• If you leave your gum disease untreated, it can affect your baby’s weight. Your baby is more likely to have a low birth weight. Underweight babies tend to face many more challenges during their lifespan.
• The bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream of the baby and affect its development. 

How to Manage Gum Disease During Pregnancy?

As per studies, around 60-75% of pregnant women experience the early stage of the periodontal stage during pregnancy. This data clearly shows how important it is to manage the disease during pregnancy.

Here is how to do it:

• Regular dental checkups are needed to maintain dental cleaning and early identification of any infection.
• Daily brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Daily flossing is needed to remove the plaque from between your teeth.
• Have a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.
• Look out for any abnormalities in your gums during pregnancy.
• Report anything unusual to your dentist at an immediate pace.

 Even though gum disease and pregnancy are closely linked, with proper care and oral care routine, you can manage it for a safe and successful birth of your baby. Contact us today for a professional checkup and better guidance.