Periodontal Disease and pregnancy

According to research, expecting mothers who have periodontal disease put their unborn child at risk for a variety of issues, especially if they also have diabetes.

A bacterial infection in the gum (gingival) tissue is typically where periodontal disease starts. As the infection spreads, it gradually erodes both the tissue and the underlying bone. If the bacterial infection is not treated, the body has an inflammatory response that pushes the gums and jawbone back and considerably deepens the gum pockets (the area between the teeth and gums).

The teeth eventually become loose and unstable as a result of the periodontal disease's degenerative nature, and they eventually fall out.Numerous hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy enhance the likelihood that a woman may develop periodontal disease and gingivitis, an inflammation of the gum tissue.

Numerous studies have found a connection between preeclampsia, low birth weight, and early birth and these oral issues. Periodontal disease should be treated as soon as possible in pregnant women to lower the risk of both prenatal and postnatal problems.

Motives for the Relationship

The health of the mother and the unborn child may be impacted by periodontal disease for a variety of reasons, including the following:

Prostaglandin: In moms who have more severe cases of periodontal disease, there seems to be an increase in prostaglandin levels. One of the dental bacteria strains linked to periodontitis produces prostaglandin, a substance that causes labour.

Increased prostaglandin levels can lead to a mother giving birth early and having a child with a low birth weight.The protein known as C-reactive protein (CRP), which was previously linked to heart disease, is now known to increase the risk of preeclampsia and premature birth. Periodontal infections increase the body's innate inflammatory response and C-reactive protein levels. It's possible for periodontal bacteria to reach the circulation and trigger the liver to produce CRP, which in turn causes inflamed arteries and the risk of blood clots. Following these inflammatory consequences, clogged arteries may result in strokes or heart attacks.

Spread of bacteria: The bacteria that settle in gum pockets are easily transported through the circulation to harm other bodily parts. The internal mammary glands and coronary arteries of pregnant women have been reported to be colonised by oral bacteria and related pathogens.

Identification and Therapy

For pregnant women, there are numerous safe, non-surgical therapy options. To improve the likelihood of a risk-free and healthy birth, it is crucial to stop the progression of periodontal disease.In order to give a thorough diagnosis, the dentist must first determine the precise state of the gums and jawbone.

The removal of calculus (tartar) from the tooth-root surfaces and the elimination of bacterial toxins from the gum pockets are two frequent non-surgical procedures known as scaling and root planing.Treatment can also lessen many unpleasant and hazardous effects linked to gingivitis and periodontal infection, lowering the risks of pregnancy issues brought on by periodontal disease by as much as 50%.

Dentists can give pregnant women advice on how to take good care of themselves at home and lower the dangers that could harm their health or the health of their unborn children. By taking good care of your home, giving up smoking, making dietary modifications, and taking additional vitamins, you can significantly lower your risk of developing periodontal disease.