As you know, getting regular dental treatments at Kiefer Family Dental is very important for your oral health. But what some, in fact many didn’t know was that pregnant women with untreated gum inflammation are far more likely to have preterm deliveries, or give birth to babies with low weight.
New research from the University of Sydney (in Australia) shows that even mild gum inflammation aka gingivitis can trigger premature births, but suitable dental treatment halves this risk.
This is Good News!
This is welcome news for around 70% of expectant mothers who develop gingivitis during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, sugar cravings, and frequent vomiting. Studies showed that if gum inflammation is treated during pregnancy, the risk of a baby being born preterm is reduced by approximately 50%.
Most people don’t realize that untreated oral infection can cause or worsen inflammation in other parts of the body, and even reach the placenta during pregnancy.
The gingivitis can be easily reversed before it progresses to periodontitis. Treatment usually involves deep-cleaning, mouth rinses, and antibiotics for more serious infections. But there’s a key challenge as many women avoid visiting the dentist while pregnant when they need it most because they mistakenly believe that all dental treatments are unsafe during gestation.
Other Worries
One other particular concern regards pregnant women with a medical condition called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Some women with HG may vomit more than 30 times a day. Gastric acid from frequent vomiting erodes tooth enamel and heightens the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Early treatment is vital for all pregnant women with gingivitis, to give their baby the best start to life. Even better is to prevent gum inflammation from occurring in the first place, by being extra diligent about dental hygiene.
The urge is that all pregnant women need to clean their teeth as best as they can in the circumstances, and to visit their dentist at the first signs of gum inflammation or tooth decay.
We at Kiefer Family Dental hope that the information about dental treatments for pregnant women was helpful. The office of Kiefer Family Dental provides the best in modern dentistry for individuals and families, as well as valuable help and information.
Our highly-qualified dentists and gentle hygienists work hard to combine knowledge and skill with the latest in technology to give our patients the best possible dental outcomes. With services ranging from periodontal therapy, oral surgery. dental implants, dentures and even being set up for Invisalign clear braces, Kiefer Family Dental is your Evansville, Indiana A+ dental choice. Call (812) 424-9506 or use the website to book an appointment online.
