Pregnancy and gingivitis
Will pregnancy affect my oral health?
Expectant mothers (and women who take some oral contraceptives) experience elevated
levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This causes the gums to react
differently to the bacteria found in plaque, and in many cases can cause a condition
known as "pregnancy gingivitis." Symptoms include swollen, red gums and bleeding of
the gums when you brush. Remember that the bacteria in plaque (not hormones) is what
causes gingivitis. Brush twice a day and floss before you go to bed to help avoid
plaque buildup.
What are "pregnancy tumors?"
Pregnancy tumors (pyogenic granuloma) are rare, usually painless lesions that may
develop on your gums in response to plaque. Although they are not cancerous, they
should be treated. Pregnancy tumors usually subside shortly after childbirth.
Could gingivitis affect my baby's health?
New research suggests a link between pre-term, low birth weight babies and
gingivitis. Excessive bacteria, which causes gingivitis, can enter the bloodstream
through your mouth (gums). If this happens, the bacteria can travel to the uterus,
triggering the production of chemicals called "prostaglandins," which are suspected
to induce premature labor.
Should I receive dental treatment while I'm pregnant?
Good oral health care is vital during your pregnancy. Continue with your regular
dental cleaning and check-ups to avoid oral infections that can affect the fetus,
such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. Dentists recommend that major dental
treatments that aren't urgent be postponed until after your child is born. The first
trimester, the stage of pregnancy in which most of the baby's organs are formed,
is the most crucial to your baby's development, so it is best to have procedures
performed during the second trimester to minimize any potential risk.
Dental work is not recommended during the third trimester because the dental chair
tends to be too uncomfortable for the mother. If you lie back, the chair may cut
off circulation by placing pressure on the vein that returns blood to the heart from
the lower part of your body.
If I do need treatment, what drugs are safe?
Be extremely cautious of all drugs during pregnancy. If you have gingivitis or
perio-dontal disease, your dentist may want to treat you more often to achieve
healthy gums and a healthy baby. Although dental anesthetics such as novocaine or
lidocaine can enter the placenta, which filters out most drugs, the doses used in
most dental procedures are considered safe. If you need to have dental work done
during your pregnancy, research has shown that some acceptable antibiotics include
penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin, but avoid tetracycline, which can cause
discoloration of your child's temporary and permanent teeth. Products containing
acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, are approved, but you should be wary of other
over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Avoid using narcotics
for dental pain until your child is carried to term.
Who can I talk to?
If you have any concerns about treatment or medications, make sure to ask your
dentist or physician before receiving treatment. Most dental procedures are safe
during pregnancy. Remember, the healthier your mouth is, the healthier and happier
your pregnancy and baby will be.
Sources:
Pregnancytoday.com,
Kimberly A. Loos, DDS
www.med.umich.edu
www.ada.org
www.thekidsdds.com/prenatal.htm
howthingswork.com/dental11.htm
This information was compiled for you by the Academy of General Dentistry.
Your dentist cares about long-term dental health for you and your family and
demonstrates that concern by belonging to the Academy of General Dentistry.
As one of the 35,000 general dentists in the United States and Canada who are
members of the Academy, your dentist participates in an ongoing program of
professional development and continuing education to remain current with advances
in the profession and to provide quality patient treatment. Visit the AGD's
ebsite at www.agd.org. You have permission to photocopy this page and distribute
it to your patients.
