Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy: How Gum Infection can Affect Pregnancy
While periodontitis and pregnancy may seem like they’re from the opposite poles of the medical spectrum, the awareness of the possible risk it poses on both the expectant mothers and their babies can infact save them from an unfavorable experience. As you know, a whopping 1/3 of pregnant women are affected by periodontal diseases of different levels of severity and it is sad that only a handful of them know the devastating effects they have on pregnancy. You may be wondering how something as seemingly harmless as gum infection can affect you and your baby. Here are a couple of reasons why.
Periodontal disease manifests as gingivitis or the inflammation of the gum tissues surrounding the tooth. This caused by the bacteria residing in the plaque buildup on teeth and in the gumline which feeds on the sugars and carbohydrates in food particles left in between teeth. When plaque is not removed, tartar develops and it digs deeper into the gumline to form pockets between the tooth and the gum tissues. As this pockets deepen, the tooth will start to become loose and eventually become detached from the socket. That is why it is important to seek periodontal disease treatment at the first sign of gum infection to avoid early teeth loss.
But teeth loss is only the tip of the iceberg. Studies suggest that there are links between periodontal disease and pregnancy complications, such as premature birth, low birth weight in babies and late miscarriages. One theory suggests that the bacteria from the gum infection can enter the bloodstream via the mouth and could reach the placental membrane, thus causing inflammation and resulting to labor. Apart from that, the increase of antibodies that respond to certain bacteria and toxins found in periodontal diseases stimulates contraction, thus causing labor. The same antibodies have been found in the fetal cord and the amniotic fluid samples of infants who are either born prematurely or underweight.
But don’t fret. Periodontal diseases are curable, especially if caught early on. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices can prevent or even heal the early signs of periodontal diseases. You can even consult your dentist for safe, medicated toothpaste or mouthwash to kill the bacteria causing the inflammation of the gums. Apart from that, a change in lifestyle and diet can do wonders on your gum’s health. Food rich in vitamins A, C and B can help boost your immune system which fights off bacteria that could infect your gums. You can also ask your ob-gyneacologist for food supplements you can take during pregnancy.
