Pregnancy
When you're pregnant, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Pregnant women need a healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise that is appropriate for each trimester, and to avoid certain products such as tobacco and alcohol. It is also important to keep your teeth clean. During pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations can impact your response to the bacteria in dental plaque increasing the risk and severity of periodontal (gum) disease.
During pregnancy many women experience a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. This generally occurs during the second trimester coinciding with increases in hormone levels of estrogen and progesterone. There is also a shift in the type of bacteria to those that are associated with periodontal disease and bone loss. The gum tissue may appear bright red and shiny, swollen, and bleed easily and excessively. These changes can even happen to women who practice good oral hygiene. Often, it is associated with inadequate oral hygiene. Changes in oral hygiene techniques and professional dental care can help to improve or resolve the condition. In some cases it may persist until late in the pregnancy or until delivery and hormone levels return to normal.
Recently researchers have studied the impact of having periodontal (gum) disease during pregnancy on the unborn child. Early studies have shown a link in the number of premature births or low birth weight babies in women with periodontal disease. Researchers continue to explore this relationship to help find answers to reducing the number of preterm births and underweight babies.
This relationship emphasizes the importance of good oral hygiene before, during, and after pregnancy. If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant schedule an examination with your dentist to discuss your oral health. Your traditional dental hygiene regimen may not be adequate. Along with toothbrushing it is important to clean between your teeth and below the gum line to remove the bacteria and toxins that irritate the gums. Adding a Waterpik® Dental Water Jet to toothbrushing is one of the fastest and most effective ways available to healthier gums. In fact, a recent study demonstrated that a manual or power toothbrush plus a Waterpik® dental water jet was up to 93% better in reducing gum bleeding and up to 52% better in reducing gingivitis compared to brushing and flossing. Developing good dental hygiene will help you during pregnancy and establish positive habits after your child is born to prevent oral disease in infancy, childhood, adolescence and into adulthood.
