For many years now, dentists and MDs have been aware that certain risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and drug use can increase the likelihood of premature birth of infants with a low birth weight.
Now, new evidence is emerging that suggests a new risk factor, Gum disease. Pregnant women who suffer from periodontal disease could be up to seven times more likely to give birth to a baby that is born both too early and too small.
But what exactly cases this and what steps can pregnant women take to reduce the risks? What treatment options can Houston dentists provide pregnant women who already have periodontal disease?
To answer these questions we have to understand the nature of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is long-term, chronic infection of the gums. Pregnancy does not cause periodontal disease.
However, a significant number of pregnant women have already had gum disease a long time before conception. This is why it is important to get a dental examination before becoming pregnant in order to ensure the delivery of a full-term, healthy baby.
While pregnancy does not call Periodontitis, it can cause pregnancy gingivitis to develop. This is due to the elevated hormone levels of pregnancy, and it can occur in women with healthy mouths.
Pregnant women are able to reduce these risks by seeing their local dentist. Every pregnant woman should have her teeth cleaned at least two or three times during her pregnancy.
This will help her bring to term a healthy baby with normal birth weight. More research will be needed to confirm just how periodontal disease affects pregnancy outcomes.
At this point, it appears that gum disease triggers increased levels of biological fluids that can trigger premature labor.
In addition to this, data indicates that women whose periodontal condition worsens during pregnancy have a higher risk of premature delivery. Any infection of the gums is cause for concern in a pregnant woman.
Dentists, in keeping with the recommendations of The Academy of Periodontology, urge all women who are considering pregnancy to have a comprehensive periodontal exam.
This should include all necessary x-rays, digital photographs, a screening for oral cancer, a periodontal screening, a head and neck exam, and an examination of the teeth.
When dentists discover a mild periodontal disease in a pregnant woman, they treat it with scaling and root planning over the course of 3 to 4 appointments. Dental hygienists perform the actual cleaning.
Severe cases of periodontal disease are treated with LANAP. Laser Periodontal Therapy is far more effective than traditional periodontal surgery because it poses less risk of infection and facilitates faster healing rates.
If any medical conditions are discovered that require the work of a physician, the dentist will refer the patient to an MD if the patient has a severe periodontal problem while the mother is pregnant. We will also consult them before and during treatment.
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