Gum Disease and Complications during Pregnancy

Dr. Ken Krebs, president-elect of the American Academy of Periodontists, also reports that a study implies a possible relationship between periodontal disease and development of preeclampsia, a dangerous disorder affecting five to eight percent of pregnancies.

Pregnant women are at higher risk for developing gum disease than the general public, explains Dr. Krebs, "simply because of hormonal changes: tissues tend to react more severely to the irritations that are present." So while a non-pregnant person's bacterial levels may be identical to a pregnant woman's, the non-expectant woman may not develop the condition and the pregnant woman will. The hormone changes cause sensitivity and can lead to greater incidence of gum disease.

Could You Have Gum Disease?

Though the ADA states gum disease can be painless, the single best indicator of whether you have gum disease is still how your mouth feels. Several symptoms a person with periodontal disease may experience include:

• Gum soreness
• Gum redness
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath

"I think it's critical that pregnant women pay more attention to their gum tissues," says Dr. Krebs. "So many people think that if they have a little bit of bleeding that that's normal. And it doesn't upset people. But if you took the brush and rubbed it across your hand and your hand started to bleed, that would probably upset you." Because it happens frequently for some people, they don't remember a time when their gums didn't bleed. But "it's not really a normal occurrence; if someone has any bleeding at all when she brushes or flosses her teeth, that should be a pretty good indicator that she should seek professional help," adds Dr. Krebs.

To protect yourself and your unborn baby, consider your answers to the following questions, provided by the American Academy of Periodontists:

• Do you ever have pain in your mouth?
• Do your gums ever bleed when you brush your teeth or when you eat hard food?
• Have you noticed any spaces developing between your teeth?
• Do your gums ever feel swollen or tender?
• Have you noticed that your gums are receding (pulling back from your teeth) or your teeth appear longer than before?
• Do you have persistent bad breath?
• Have you noticed any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite?
• Do you ever develop sores in your mouth?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, schedule an appointment with your dentist. He or she may refer you to a periodontist, who will work in conjunction with your regular dentist to treat your condition.

There can be high risks associated with permitting the condition to continue without proper professional treatment; however, gum disease caught in its early stages can often be treated with a simple office cleaning. If you are concerned about your oral health, you can find a periodontist near you by contacting the American Academy of Periodontology, and preferably before you are even pregnant. By taking care of your smile, you can help provide your baby with an excellent chance for a safe arrival.