Gum disease during pregnancy
 Many
mothers have experienced gum disease, dental pain and/or tooth
extraction during or shortly after their pregnancy. This is often
seen as being a "normal" side effect of being pregnant. However,
dental disease, which is an infection of the teeth and/or gums, is
not "normal" for any patient.
There are three basic events that happen during pregnancy which
make the patient more susceptible to dental disease. First, hormonal
changes may make the gums more susceptible to gum disease.
Second, pregnant women tend to eat smaller, more frequent meals,
exposing their teeth and gums to sugars and acids more often. Third,
cravings for "junk foods" and inadequate oral hygiene pose an
increased threat to the teeth and gums.
Pregnant women should be advised to schedule a dental evaluation
and receive preventive dental care. Personalized oral hygiene
instruction should also be given to fight disease and promote
overall good health for the mother and her baby.
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