How Pregnancy Puts Your Mouth At Risk

Whether this is your first pregnancy or you have been down this road before, there is always more to learn. Many people are not aware of the link between periodontal disease, or the infection of your gum tissue, and having a child. Your body undergoes many changes throughout this process, and much of it puts your health as the mother at a higher risk than when it is just you on your own.

This is why you need to take special care of your oral health when you’re expecting. Be sure that you are making your scheduled trips to see your provider, and listen to their advice. Today, your Gary, IN dentist explains some of the ties between your pregnancy and increased periodontal disease. As well, we will give you some tips and tricks to stay healthy!

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Your periodontal tissue refers to your gums, and the disease of this material can cause serious damage to your health. This is most typically a bacterial infection, and it comes from a lack of oral hygiene. This starts off as gingivitis, and should not be ignored even at its first stage.

You may notice that you are spitting out some blood whenever you brush your teeth. This is not a sign that you are brushing too aggressively, most of the time. Make sure that you bring this up with your dentist. Many people think they are pushing back the material with their brush, when in actuality, the tissue is pulling back due to the bacterial growth.

Changes In Your Body

During the course of a pregnancy, your body undergoes significant changes to its systems. Your immune system is radically altered to allow the growth of another being inside you! Your pelvic bones even start to slightly separate to facilitate birth.

That amazing transformation also brings with it some risks. While creating new life, that development takes priority over your oral health, and can mean that your gums are more susceptible to infection.

Your hormones start to change nearly immediately after conception, and continue through to birth. Be sure that you discuss your timeline with your dentist, as most want to see pregnant patients either in the 2nd or 3rd trimester. Any abnormal health concerns can be identified and we can take care of them before they become serious.

Regular Maintenance

The best thing you can do for your smile while you are expecting is to keep to a strict oral health regimen. Not only do you need to keep up with your twice-daily brushing, but also make sure that you are not going to sleep immediately after a late night snack or craving. These leftover bits of food can grow bacteria and giving them hours without stopping them allows them to cause destruction.

ABOUT YOUR GARY, IN, DENTIST:

As a native of northwest Indiana, Nicholas Cain, DDS, is dedicated to providing excellent general, preventive, and family dentistry services to the community that raised him, welcoming patients from Gary, Miller, Miller Beach, and all surrounding areas. To schedule your appointment, call Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN, today at 219-938-2637. You can also email our office at info@healthysmilesnwi.com.