Most women who have been there themselves will agree that finding out they were pregnant marks one of the most exciting times in their life. Unfortunately, many also revealed that carrying their baby for nine months had a profound impact on their oral health. According to a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 60 to 75 percent of women develop gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease, during their pregnancy, often as a byproduct of hormonal changes. While we are on the topic, it is worth noting that many dentists across America, including those with La Costa Dental in California, have confirmed the same when treating expecting mothers. Of course, the onset of gingivitis and possibly periodontal disease are not the only oral health problems a woman might encounter during her pregnancy.
According to Carlsbad dentists, along with dentists in La Jolla, dentists in San Diego, and dental practitioners throughout the greater San Diego area, women who develop gingivitis improve their periodontal health if they schedule routine dental appointments during their pregnancy. To say this is valuable information would be a gross understatement, especially when you consider what it means to have periodontal disease. The long and short of it is periodontal disease, if left untreated, can destroy the bone that supports the teeth. While we are on the topic, multiple studies have found that preterm births and low birth weight tend to go hand-in-hand with periodontal disease.
Solana Family Dental and Dentists in Del Mar Discuss Developing Cavities While Pregnant
Most dentists in Del Mar and neighboring Solana Beach, including those with Solana Family Dental, agree that women are more likely to develop cavities when they become pregnant. And this, by the way, is substantiated in a study published by the CDC. The study revealed that changes in eating habits and the resulting increase in cavity-causing bacteria in the oral cavity explain why women develop more cavities during their pregnancy. If those cavities go untreated, they can create issues for a soon-to-be mother. For reference, a recent study published by the CDC revealed that 1 in 4 women of childbearing age has untreated cavities.
Dentist in Encinitas and Dental Practitioners With La Costa Dental Explain How Good Oral Health Can Benefit a Woman’s Baby
Dentists in Encinitas, not to mention dentists in San Diego and dental practitioners throughout most of California, often advise women to stay on top of their oral health for both their sake and their baby’s health . Studies show that the same cavity-causing bacteria that develops in a woman’s mouth during her pregnancy can be passed on to her baby’s mouth, which can spell trouble for the baby’s teeth later on in life. To illustrate this point, it helps to take a look at a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which revealed the following:
- Among women of childbearing age, 1 in 4 have untreated cavities.
- A child whose mother has untreated cavities or tooth loss is three times more likely to develop cavities as an adult.
- Children with poor oral health are almost three times more likely to miss school because of dental pain.
Bottom Line
Along with taking prenatal vitamins, consuming a healthy diet, and scheduling routine exams with a licensed physician, women should also make it a point to stay on top of their oral health while pregnant. And this means brushing twice per day, flossing regularly, consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet, and scheduling regular checkups with their dentist.
