A BABY’S teeth start to develop between the third and sixth month of pregnancy.
This is a very good reason to stay ahead of oral health issues during pregnancy.
Together with a well-balanced diet, good oral health enables the mother to help the baby form teeth properly.
Hormones change during pregnancy. And hormones can make gums more easily irritated. This is why in the United States, many pregnant women develop what is called “pregnancy gingivitis” or gum disease.
Pregnancy gum issues are, at most times, temporary. The condition goes away once the baby is delivered.
Still, a healthy gum is always ideal. And pregnant women should ask the dentist how to maintain healthy gums. And for that matter, healthy teeth.
The dentist may recommend cleanings to prevent or control gingivitis, a mild gum disease that can develop between the second and eight months of pregnancy.
Or cavities may be examined or fixed to prevent further infection.
Dental procedures during pregnancy are safe, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
It says that physiologic changes during pregnancy may result in noticeable changes in the oral cavity. These changes include pregnancy gingivitis, benign oral gingival lesions, tooth mobility, tooth erosion, tooth decay and gum disease.
“It is important to reassure women about these various changes to the gums and teeth during pregnancy and to reinforce good oral health habits to keep the gums and teeth healthy.”
About four in 10 pregnant women have some form of gum disease, the ACOG says.
It mentions a study conducted in 1996 showing an association between maternal gum disease and preterm birth. Preterm is defined by the World Health Organization as babies born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed.
Since then 1996, other studies have supported this conclusion. Theoretically, blood-borne bacteria may be transported to the placental tissues as well as to the uterus and cervix. This results in increased inflammation that may precipitate preterm labor.
Still, ACOG says that recent analyses and large trials have not shown any benefit of periodontal or gum therapy during pregnancy in the reduction of preterm birth and infant low birth weight.
More research is needed in these areas./PN
