Maternal Health

Gingivitis During Pregnancy 

To maintain a healthy pregnancy, you will need to learn a wide array of new habits. But it can take more than just exercise and a nutritious food to give your baby the best chance of a healthy delivery. Oral health plays a larger role in the health of your baby than you might have realized.

Many expectant mothers wonder, "Can gum disease harm my unborn baby?" The numbers are in, and there is a strong connection between low birth-weight babies and periodontal disease such as gingivitis. Inflammation in the gums caused by periodontitis can be harmful to unborn babies, increasing their likelihood of premature births, low birth weight, preeclampsia, and miscarriage.

Pregnant mothers with periodontal disease have a:

• 30-50% higher risk of giving birth pre-term
• 800% higher risk of giving pre-term birth if their peritonitis is moderate or worse

Oral Care During Pregnancy

Periodontal disease is caused by an accumulation of harmful bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause bacteria in the mouth to increase, including those that cause periodontitis. A 2011 study found that 40% of pregnant women have some form of periodontal disease.

How We Can Help

At Sahara Health Group, we partner with the oral health professionals at Sahara Modern Dentistry to include oral care as part of your health maintenance regimen during pregnancy. Salivary diagnostic testing is one way to check yourself for periodontal disease and the associated risks to your baby.

If you're wondering, "Why are my gums swollen while pregnant?" call us today. By addressing the Mouth-Body Connection® for whole-body health, we can provide expectant mothers your best chance of a healthy pregnancy.