During pregnancy, hormonal changes may cause your gums to become more sensitive, swollen, and red. This is known as pregnancy gingivitis, or gum disease. Between the third and ninth months of pregnancy, you may experience “pregnancy gingivitis.” Pregnancy gingivitis occurs when your gums become swollen, red, or inflamed because of bacteria along your gum line. Your gums are more sensitive because your estrogen and progesterone levels have increased during pregnancy.

Due to morning sickness, your teeth may be exposed to stomach acid and become demineralized. As a result, your teeth are more susceptible to decay and erosion.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious periodontal (gum and bone) disease.

It is possible that poor dental health could affect your developing baby. According to research, there may be a link between periodontal disease and low birth weight or preterm birth. These babies are more likely to have developmental problems, asthma, and ear infections, and may even have a higher risk of infant death.

Our Waldorf Periodontist office recommends an appointment with your dentist to have your teeth cleaned and examined every 3 months during your pregnancy.

What can I do to keep my teeth and gums healthy?

Many factors can affect your teeth, including what you eat and drink, how often you eat and drink, how long food remains on your teeth, and the amount of plaque that remains. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria.

Keep your teeth and gums healthy by:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Keep plaque away from the gum line by cleaning carefully.
• Every night, floss your teeth before you go to bed.
• Drink water between meals and snacks. Reduce your intake of sweet beverages.
• When you brush your teeth after meals and snacks, if this is not possible, rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash.
• Limit sweet foods and foods that stick to your teeth. Whenever you eat a sweet, try to eat it around a meal.

Researchers have shown that pregnant mothers who suffer from periodontal disease expose their unborn children to a variety of health risks, particularly if they also suffer from diabetes.

Periodontal disease generally begins with a bacterial infection in the gum (gingiva) tissue, which progressively destroys the tissue and underlying bone. When left untreated, the bacterial infection causes an inflammatory reaction in the body, which can deepen gum pockets (the space between the teeth and gums) and cause the gums and jawbone to recede. The teeth become loose and unstable when periodontal disease progresses and eventually fall out.

An expectant mother is more likely to suffer from gingivitis (inflammation of the gum tissue) and periodontal disease due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Many research studies have linked oral problems to preeclampsia, low birth weight, and premature birth. To reduce the risk of prenatal and postnatal complications, expectant women should seek immediate treatment for periodontal disease.

Why is there a connection?

The following are some reasons why periodontal disease can affect the health of a pregnant woman and her unborn child:

• Mothers who suffer from more advanced forms of periodontal disease seem to have higher levels of prostaglandin. One of the oral bacteria strains associated with periodontitis is found in prostaglandin, a labor-inducing compound. As a result of elevated prostaglandin levels, a mother may give birth prematurely and deliver a baby with low birth weight.
• C-reactive protein (CRP): Previously associated with heart disease, this protein is now associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia and premature birth. Periodontal infections increase the body’s natural inflammatory response and elevate C-reactive protein levels. Bacteria from periodontal plaque may enter the bloodstream, causing the liver to produce CRP. This can lead to inflamed arteries and blood clots. Eventually, these inflammatory effects can lead to blocked arteries, resulting in strokes or heart attacks.
• Spread of bacteria: The bacteria in gum pockets can easily travel through the bloodstream and affect other areas of the body. Research has found that oral bacteria and associated pathogens have colonized pregnant women’s internal mammary glands and coronary arteries.

There are many non-surgical treatment options available for pregnant women. To increase the chances of a healthy and safe delivery, it is vital to stop periodontal disease from progressing.

Treatment reduces the chances of pregnancy complications caused by periodontal disease by as much as 50%, and it eases many of the unpleasant and harmful effects caused by gingivitis and periodontal infection.

Our Periodontist in Alexandria, VA can provide education about effective home care for pregnant women and reduce the risk of adverse effects for her and/or her child. Proper home care, dietary changes, and supplemental vitamins can greatly reduce the risks of periodontal disease. To schedule a consultation appointment, please contact our 20602 Periodontist office.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria, VA 22302

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (301) 638-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
601 Post Office Rd., Suite 1-B
Waldorf, MD 20602

Our gums play a crucial role in ensuring optimal oral health. Therefore, gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, may lead to severe problems, including bad breath and even tooth loss. 

Various factors, such as genetics, family history, hormones, lack of dental care, aggressive bruising, etc., can cause our gums to recede, resulting in further adverse oral health conditions.

What is gum grafting?

The gum grafting procedure involves carefully removing a small amount of existing tissue and replacing it with new tissue—often used to prevent further gum recession or to cover exposed root surfaces of teeth. It is possible to use tissue from a variety of sources for this procedure, but usually it is taken from the palate (roof of the mouth) after it has been numbed for your comfort. Using suturing material that’s finer than human hair, it is delicately sutured (stitched) in the place where it is needed.

Following the grafting procedure, your body’s natural healing process takes over. During this time, new blood vessels grow into the graft, helping it integrate with the surrounding tissue. In addition to improving aesthetics, a successful graft can also reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity and further gum recession.

The procedure is common and relatively quick. A periodontist may suggest other treatment options or surgery depending on your oral health. By treating it early, you can reduce the risk of adverse health effects. In any case, it’s never too late to seek a diagnosis for gum grafting treatment with our Waldorf MD Periodontist.

Different types of gum graft procedures

Today, three types of gum grafting are available, including: 

• Connective Tissue Graft: In this procedure, connective tissue from under the palate is used to cover exposed tooth roots.
• Free Gingival Graft: This procedure usually uses a smaller amount of flap to build up thin gums.
• Pedicle Graft: With this gum grafting technique, the gum tissue is misplaced and needs to be surgically repositioned.

When is a gum graft recommended?

It is highly recommended that you undergo gum grafting surgery under the care of a periodontist if the roots of your teeth are exposed as a result of receding gums. The pocket between the gums and the tooth formed by receding gums becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. When this bacteria buildup hardens into plaque and tartar, one is at risk for infections, tooth decay, and advanced gum disease, which can lead to bone and tissue loss and even tooth loss. 

A receding gum line is not always visible to the naked eye, unlike a receding hairline. As such, even if one doesn’t notice a change in their gums, it is recommended to get regular dental check-ups to prevent permanent damage and tooth loss. 

The gums play a crucial role in keeping our teeth in place and helping to maintain our general oral hygiene. It is therefore crucial that we get regular checkups to prevent adverse health effects and undergo surgery, if necessary.

For any questions you may have about the gum grafting procedure or to schedule an appointment with our Periodontist in Waldorf MD, please contact our office.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria, VA 22302

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (301) 638-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
601 Post Office Rd., Suite 1-B
Waldorf, MD 20602