The Science Behind Pregnancy Gingivitis, And How To Minimize The Risk
Have you heard that expectant mothers have a high risk of gingivitis? This isn't merely an old wives' tale; it is entrenched in scientific facts. Continue reading to understand more about the relationship between getting pregnant and getting gum disease, and what you can do to mitigate the damage:
Why It Happens
According to some research, the high risk of gum disease during pregnancy is linked to the pregnancy-related hormonal changes. The hormonal changes increase blood flow to various parts of the body, including the gum tissues. As a result, the gum tissues become swollen and irritable. This makes your gum prone to bruises, and the bruises make it easy for bacteria to attack the gums. At the same time, the hormonal changes also interfere with your body's normal response to the bacteria, which also contributes to the heightened risk of gingivitis.
What You Can Do
You don't have to resign yourself to pregnancy gingivitis; take these measures to minimize the risk:
Consult a Dentist before Getting Pregnant
Ideally, you should consult your dentist before getting pregnant, or immediately after you find out you are expectant. This will give your dentist the chance to evaluate your overall oral health and determine if there is any treatment you need. If you need any treatment, it's best to take care of them as soon as possible, so your heightened risk of gum disease doesn't affect them.
Rinse Your Mouth after Vomiting
If your morning sickness is accompanied by vomiting, then you need to rinse your mouth after every vomiting session. This is because vomiting exposes your teeth to stomach acid, which erodes your enamel. Eroded enamel is a perfect candidate for bacterial attack. Use warm saline water to help sanitize the mouth and reduce the gum inflammation.
Eat Nutritious Meals
Eating properly will shore up your immunity and make your gums more resistant to bacterial attack. You should especially make sure that you are getting adequate vitamins (from fruits and vegetables). For example, you need vitamin C for strengthening your collagen tissues and making your gums strong.
This also means that, even if you haven't been careful with your dental health, this is the time to start doing so. Moreover, the benefits of having a healthy mouth aren't just for you; your unborn child will benefit from it, too. There is evidence that oral health complications (such as gingivitis) may lead to pregnancy complications or even premature birth. Therefore, take care of your dental health at all times, but be extra careful if you are expectant.
To learn more, talk to professionals like Jacob L. Revercomb DMD.