Can gingivitis affect pregnancy?

Can gingivitis affect pregnancy?

Gingivitis can cause complications in your mouth and even for your pregnancy. Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease that can spread down to the bone. If you develop periodontitis, your baby-to-be may be at an increased risk of preterm birth or low birth weight, among other health conditions.

Can gum disease cause pregnancy problems?

Pregnancy and Periodontal Disease Periodontitis has also been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight.

Which bacteria is associated with pregnancy gingivitis?

gingivalis and Tannerella species (formerly Bacteroides) has been demonstrated in sub gingival plaque during the onset of pregnancy gingivitis. This is likely to be a result of these species being able to use the pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone, as a source of nutrition.

What does pregnancy gingivitis feel like?

Pregnancy gingivitis is characterized by swelling/inflammation of the gums, and is caused by a bacterial film that grows on the teeth, resulting in plaque buildup. This plaque irritates the gum tissue, making them tender, bright red, swollen, sensitive, and easy to make bleed.

Is a periodontal cleaning safe during pregnancy?

You can minimize the risk of health of issues for you and your baby by maintaining good oral health. Fortunately, all forms of oral health care, including teeth cleaning, are safe throughout pregnancy. In fact, having a regular dental checkup and professional dental cleaning is essential during this period.

Why gingivitis occurs in pregnancy?

Pregnancy gingivitis is caused by an increase in estrogen and progesterone levels. These are essential hormones that help your baby grow and develop, but they also cause many changes to your body. One of these changes is increased inflammation of your gums.

Can gingivitis cause miscarriage?

Effects of gum disease on a growing fetus range depending upon the severity and timing of infection. Periodontal disease in an expectant mother can even lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. And the cause can be as simple as gestational gingivitis—something that is easily overlooked, even by doctors.

When does pregnancy gingivitis go away?

Though gingivitis can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, making them loose and exposing them to damaging bacteria, the effects of pregnancy gingivitis do not last long enough to be permanent. After pregnancy when hormone levels return to normal, the effects of pregnancy gingivitis go away.

What kind of dental work can a pregnant woman get?

Most dental services and procedures, including dental x-rays, tooth extractions, dental fillings, and dental cleanings, can be done during pregnancy safely, with tooth extractions recommended during your second or third trimester. Fillings should be discussed with your dentist beforehand.

What causes gingivitis during pregnancy?

Pregnancy gingivitis is caused by a rise in the hormone progesterone which can contribute to an increase in the flow of blood to gum tissues making them sensitive, swollen and more likely to bleed when you brush and floss. These hormonal changes can make it easier for certain gingivitis-causing bacteria to grow and can make gum tissues more tender.

How can I prevent plaque and gingivitis during pregnancy?

A strict home care routine of proper and meticulous plaque removal should start even before you are pregnant. Not all oral care products are the same, so be sure to choose a toothpaste and mouthwash designed to treat plaque and gingivitis.

Are pregnant women at increased risk for gum disease?

Pregnant women are at increased risk for periodontal disease because the increased levels of progesterone hormone that come with pregnancy cause an increased response to plaque bacteria in the mouth. If you’re pregnant, your dental professional needs to know about the first signs of gingivitis symptoms.

Does the gingival index increase during pregnancy?

The authors found that although the plaque levels remained unchanged, the gingival index (GI) of pregnant women was significantly increased and peaked in the third trimester but dropped at 3 months postpartum [ 11 ].