Why Gum Disease Should Be A Concern During Pregnancy

Posted on: 18 March 2019

If you're currently pregnant, you'll be looking for ways to keep your body as safe as possible for your baby. Unfortunately, many people think that they should avoid a trip to the dentist in order to do so. There may be concerns about needing to get a dental procedure done, with the fear of it potentially causing harm to the baby. Some of those dangers include taking x-rays or putting unnecessary stress on the body. The truth is that going to the dentist can be safe, and it is more important than ever that you go due to the risk of gum disease. You may be surprised to know how having gum disease is related to pregnancy, and the potential harm it can cause.

The Dangers Of Gum Disease

When someone has gum disease, it is an infection where bacteria causes the inflammation of tissues in the mouth. In extreme situations, it can potentially cause someone's teeth to fall out or become loose. There is also the potential for the infection to make its way to the body's bloodstream, which can be harmful to your baby. Infections can lead to premature birth or other complications.

The Indications Of Gum Disease

The body will be more susceptible to gum disease throughout pregnancy, so you need to watch out for the signs that you have it in the early stages. This includes bad breath that doesn't seem to go away, bleeding while you are brushing or flossing, and overall redness or soreness of your gums. Experiencing any of those symptoms is a good reason to visit a dentist, even if you are not due for your semi-annual checkup.

The Remedies For Gum Disease

There are some things you could try at home as a remedy for gum disease. Consider the oil pulling technique which can help get rid of the bacteria that is causing all those problems. All you need to do is take a small amount of coconut oil, no more than a tablespoon, and switch it around in your mouth. The coconut oil is a natural remedy that will be completely safe for your body, so there is no harm in trying it out. Swish it around for several minutes, then brush your teeth to get rid of the oil's taste from your mouth.

Your oral health is something to take seriously when you're pregnant. Contact a dental clinic if you have any concerns about gum disease.

Share

When my three children were young, they were all excited to go to the dentist. The dentist's office was great fun with a large fish tank and a variety of puzzle toys in the waiting room. I liked the pediatric dental office so much that I jumped at the chance when I was offered a receptionist job. Many of the children who came to see the dentist were not nearly as happy as my children. Most kids were scared and anxious, and I learned fairly quickly that the children were worried because they had no idea what to expect. The dentist at the office provided me with a set of dental tools that I could show to the children. I explained how each of the devices worked. This eased the fears, and I started this blog so parents could share dental information with their children before dental visits.

Tags