Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy

Researchers have shown that periodontal disease in expectant mothers actually exposes their unborn child to many different risks; particularly if they also happen to be diabetes sufferers.

Periodontal disease generally begins with a bacterial infection in the gum (gingival) tissue, which progressively destroys the tissue and the underlying bone.  If left untreated, the bacterial infection causes an inflammatory reaction in the body, which can significantly deepen the gum pockets (space between the teeth and gums) and forces the gum and jawbone to recede.  Eventually, the progressive nature of periodontal disease causes the teeth to become loose and unstable, and eventually fall out.

Pregnancy causes many hormonal changes which increase the risk of the expectant mother to develop gingivitis (inflammation of the gum tissue) and periodontal disease.  These oral problems have been linked in many research studies to preeclampsia, low birth weight of the baby and premature birth.  Expectant women should seek immediate treatment for periodontal disease in order to reduce the risk of pre-natal and post-natal complications.

Reasons for the Connection

There are many different reasons why periodontal disease may affect the health of the mother and her unborn child:

  • Prostaglandin – Periodontal disease appears to elevate levels of prostaglandin in mothers who are suffering from the more advanced forms of the condition.  Prostaglandin is a labor-inducing compound found in one of the oral bacteria strains associated with periodontitis.  Elevated levels of prostaglandin can cause the mother to give birth prematurely and deliver a baby with a low birth weight.

  • C - reactive protein (CRP) – This protein, which has been previously linked to heart disease, has now been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia and premature birth.  Periodontal infections elevate C-reactive protein levels and amplify the body’s natural inflammatory response.  Periodontal bacteria may enter the bloodstream causing the liver to produce CRP which leads to inflamed arteries as well as possible blood clots.  These inflammatory effects can then lead to blocked arteries causing strokes or heart attacks.

  • Bacteria spread – The bacteria which colonize in the gum pockets can readily travel through the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body.  In pregnant women, research has found that oral bacteria and associated pathogens have colonized in the internal mammary glands and coronary arteries.

Diagnosis and Treatment

There are many safe, non surgical treatment options available for pregnant women.  It is of paramount importance to halt the progress of periodontal disease in order to increase the chances of a safe and healthy delivery.

Initially, the dentist will assess the exact condition of the gums and jawbone in order to make a precise diagnosis.  Scaling and root planing are two common non-surgical procedures used to rid the tooth-root surfaces of calculus (tartar) and remove the bacterial toxins from the gum pockets.

The advantages to the pregnant woman are plentiful.  The risks of pregnancy complications caused by periodontal disease are reduced by as much as 50%, and these treatments will alleviate many unpleasant and harmful effects associated with gingivitis and periodontal infection.

Dentists can provide dental education and recommendations to the pregnant women on effective home care which can reduce risks that may affect her and/or her child’s health.  Risks of periodontal disease can be vastly reduced by proper home care, smoking cessation, dietary changes and the ingestion of supplementary vitamins.

If you have any questions or concerns about periodontal disease and its affect on pregnancy, please ask your dentist.

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Testimonials

I’ve been a patient here at Dr. Little‘s office for a number of years. However I haven’t been in for a couple of years due to retiring and trying to get dental insurance. When I came into the office I was greeted as if I had never been gone. I had A couple of x-rays, teeth cleaning, teeth polishing, and set up an appointment for six months from now. Dr. Little came in to meet with me and The dental hygienist. My x-rays did not show any problems and we had a good discussion. I recommend this dental office to anyone who is looking for dental care. This has always been a supportive environment for me and I’m sure for everyone else who comes for care here.

MaryDale S.

We have been patients at Corvallis Dental Care for almost 20 years. We always find the staff very helpful and friendly. They make you feel like family. Dr. Little is friendly and caring and is a master craftsman with all aspects of dentistry. He takes great pride in his work. Since finding Dr. Little, I actually look forward to going to the dentist. I highly recommend Dr. Little and his office.

Tina N.

I have been a patient of Dr. Little for a number of years. I have been to many dentists in the past. I have never been happier with any Dentist. Dr. Little does outstanding work, is thorough, friendly and always takes the time to listen. I would highly recommend Corvallis Dental Care.

Robin is my hygienist at Corvallis Dental Care. Robin is very accomplished and professional, with great chair side manner. Again, I would highly recommend Robin.

Overall, Corvallis Dental Care will always be my choice for dental care.

Joanne S.

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