Why Expectant Moms Should Protect Their Gums

It’s no secret that expectant mothers experience a lot of physical and emotional changes during their nine months of pregnancy. Everything from sleep patterns, appetite, and even skin or hair quality can change as the mother’s hormones fluctuate from month to month. But did you know that pregnancy can also impact a mother’s dental health?

In previous years, a popular old wives’ tale warned mothers that poor calcium intake during pregnancy resulted in the body drawing calcium from the mother’s teeth to supply to her growing baby. If a mother’s calcium is insufficient, the body will draw calcium from her bones, not her teeth. But the old wives’ tale likely stems from the dental problems that many women face as a result of pregnancy hormones.

Pregnancy Hormones Exacerbate Poor Dental Health Issues

Research has found that oestrogen and progesterone actually exacerbate existing oral health issues, especially gum disease or advanced periodontal disease in pregnant women. While it is important to take action to protect your dental health before becoming pregnant, it is also important for expectant mothers to improve their dental health for the sake of their unborn child. Researchers have also found that a mother’s oral health can impact her developing baby.

Periodontist, for example, is an inflammatory disease of the gums that can spread to the other parts of the body, causing infection of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and reproductive system. When pregnant, periodontal infection can actually cause low birth weight, premature labor, and a higher risk of neurodevelopment issues and health problems, such as ear infections, asthma, and respiratory infections.

Take Preventative Action Against Periodontal Disease

Since it is not advised that women undergo surgical treatment during pregnancy, women who plan on becoming pregnant are strongly urged to take action to treat gingivitis and more advanced gum conditions, such as periodontal disease prior to becoming pregnant.

At the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal and Implant Therapy, Dr. Alexandre-Amir Aalam and Dr. Alina Krivitsky offer the latest, cutting-edge treatments for advanced periodontal diseases, such as RejuvaGum Lift™. This advanced regenerative treatment helps promote healing and strengthening of areas affected by gum recession. Using the patient’s own platelets, which are the body’s healing cells, the gum tissue can regenerate quickly and naturally. With stronger, healthier gums, it is easier to treat oral health issues that might worsen during pregnancy or affect the health of a developing fetus.

Schedule an Expectant Mother Consultation with a Certified Periodontist!

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, do not wait to get a thorough screening and treatment for oral health concerns.  Contact the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal and Implant Therapy to receive the best treatment available in Los Angeles. Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky are expert periodontists and will create an effective treatment plan based on your specific needs.  To schedule an appointment, please call us at (310) 826-8242.

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