Can Gum Disease Cause Pregnancy Complications?

added on: April 15, 2021

Pregnant woman

Ready for a fast pop quiz on the connection between mouth health and general health? What are the advantages of routinely caring for your gums and teeth?

  1. Better opportunity of avoiding illness
  2. Decreased chances for heart disease, diabetes, and additional diseases
  3. Assists in avoiding complications in pregnancy
  4. Great smile
  5. All the above

If your answer was 5, “All the above,” you are right! The simple act of day-to-day flossing and brushing can benefit your health in many ways

But what about 3 “Assists in avoiding complications in pregnancy?” Can couples actually improve their odds of starting a family with great mouth health care?

Based upon the latest studies, it appears that way.

While a woman is pregnant, rapidly-changing hormone levels may cause her to develop gum inflammation (gingivitis). As a matter of fact, some research shows that 3 out of 4 females experience “pregnancy gingivitis.”

In the last couple of years, widely-cited research proved that women who have periodontal disease—a result of pregnancy gum inflammation—were more likely to experience “greater risk indicators for adverse pregnancy results,” which includes reduced birth weight.

Something the latest research makes crystal clear: all women should take their mouth health seriously before, as well as during, their pregnancy. As a consequence of the connection between pregnancy risks and gum disease, health agencies ramped up efforts to bring more awareness to the issue.

If you are already pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, it is vital that you keep a close eye on common symptoms of gum disease, which includes:

  • Sensitivity to flossing and brushing
  • Pain when chewing
  • Bleeding gums
  • Pain surrounding gum line
  • Loose teeth
  • Red, inflamed, or swollen gums
  • Cold and heat-sensitive teeth

Worried about your mouth health as it directly relates to being pregnant? Stop by our dental office or book an appointment online. Our friendly Wilmington, NC Dentists will offer the attention and care needed to ensure optimal mouth health.

For more questions on any of our dental services contact Phelps Family Dentistry today at (910) 762-3481.