Maternal and Fetal Oral Health Pregnant women who suffer from chronically moderate to severe gum disease are at higher risk for premature and low birth weight babies. There are dentally related steps that a pregnant woman can take to help their babies, both in their overall health and in their oral health. Our staff at Palo Alto Oral Health can provide you with the information you need to help you and your baby be healthy. Many pregnant women believe that they need to stay away from the dentist office while they are expecting, it’s the opposite. We want to see you before you become pregnant and then continue your dental cleanings while pregnant. A common dental disorder is some level of gum disease. It affects a large percentage of adults, about 50% of adults suffer from gum disease, and it’s even more prevalent in pregnant women, affecting about 70% of pregnant women. Gum disease can be harmful to the development of your fetus; we want to help. Pregnancy and Gum DiseaseThere are many physical and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. From changes in the diet to throwing off hormone levels, pregnant women become more susceptible to the development of gum disease. Gum disease is an active bacterial infection in your mouth, attacking the soft and hard tissues. As the infection rages, it attacks the structure that surrounds and supports your teeth. If left untreated, studies have shown that the bacteria found in gum disease can extend to other areas of the body causing systemic problems including cardiovascular problems and diabetes. Studies have shown that women who suffer from chronic gum disease, or periodontal disease, while pregnant have a higher incidence of giving birth to premature and low birth weight babies. The direct link with the growing fetus is not entirely clear, but increased blood pressure can lead to pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes can be problematic for the mother and fetus. Having Healthier Teeth and GumsWe can help you have healthier teeth and gums while pregnant. Following these tips should make a significant difference.
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