Too much of a good thing can
lead to dental problems during pregnancy.

While a successful pregnancy hinges on increased hormonal production, like many things in life, there are drawbacks to having too much of a good thing. Unfortunately, increased hormone levels have side effects that adversely affect the expectant mother’s oral heath.

The most common is a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis, an exacerbation of gum tissue inflammation caused by plaque.  In pregnancy gingivitis, the bacterial content of the plaque increases and changes, resulting in more damaging gingival-producing bacteria. If there is already gingivitis at the beginning of the pregnancy, gum inflammation will progress as the pregnancy progresses.  The old wives’ tales that a woman loses a tooth with each pregnancy is not so far-fetched; before modern dentistry, pregnant women no doubt lost a few teeth because of pregnancy gingivitis.

Recent studies indicate that poor oral health care also affects fetal development.  A Columbia University College of Dental Medicine study showed that women who received dental care before or during their pregnancy had nearly 50 percent less risk of giving birth to babies preterm or babies with low birth rate than those who neglected their own dental care.  Bacteria commonly associated with gum disease were found in the amniotic fluid of some pregnant women, particularly those at-risk for premature labor.

Gingivitis has been reported to occur in approximately 60 to 75 percent of all pregnant women. The good news is that, with proper dental care, these percentages drop to less than 1 percent if a woman is plaque-free at the beginning of her pregnancy and maintains good oral hygiene habits throughout pregnancy, which includes regular dental visits.

Women planning to start a family should visit a dentist for their health and their baby’s health.  Preconception dental visits are also a good idea in case it turns out that you need more extensive treatments that may require x-rays and sedation.  If you develop gum disease while pregnant, don’t panic.  Routine dental cleanings are always safe.  It’s never too late to go to your dentist and get it under control.

Dr. Melinda Wagner, a general, family and cosmetic dentist practicing in Red Bank, gently caters to the needs of all women from pre-menses to menopause.  With children of her own, she has a firm understanding of the special dental issues that arise during pregnancy.  She also has over 25 years of experience with an expertise in TMJ/TMD.

Monmouth-Ocean County Dental Society, First Female President,
Monmouth Medical Center, Attending Dental Dept., Teaching Staff
Honored by Monmouth Medical Center for 25 Years of Service
Member NJ Dental Association

We participate with: Aetna PPO, Delta Premier Provider, Horizon Traditional, MetLife Dental, Dental Save (formerly Northeast-Southeast Dental Plan.) We will submit for all insurance claims.

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