Dental disease during pregnancy Many mothers have experienced gum
disease, dental pain and/or tooth extraction during
or shortly after their pregnancy. This is often seen
as being a "normal" side effect of being pregnant. However,
dental disease, which is an infection of the teeth and/or
gums, is not "normal" for any patient.
There are three basic events that happen during pregnancy
which make the patient more susceptible to dental disease.
First, hormonal changes may make the gums more susceptible
to gum disease.
Second, pregnant women tend to eat smaller, more frequent
meals, exposing their teeth and gums to sugars and acids
more often. Third, cravings for "junk foods" and inadequate
oral hygiene pose an increased threat to the teeth and
gums.
Pregnant women should be advised to schedule a dental
evaluation and receive preventive dental care. Personalized
oral hygiene instruction should also be given to fight
disease and promote overall good health for the mother
and her baby.
