Periodontal Disease & Pregnancy

Unfortunately, periodontal disease and gingivitis impact over 38.4 percent of women according to a study completed by the center for disease control.  Further studies have found that women who are pregnant are more susceptible to the disease due to other hormone changes in the body. Periodontal disease or build-up of bacteria in the body can get into the blood stream and close off arteries and may be responsible for some heart attack related deaths.

Due to an increase in bacteria in the mouth you may also experience large lumps in the gums due to an increase in bacteria. These are called pregnancy lumps and are usually not painful or cancerous, however they may require a visit to the periodontist in order to get them taken care of.

Women who are pregnant and have periodontal disease may have higher levels of CRP. CRP is a C-reactive protein that is produced in the liver. CRP tests can detect whether there is inflammation in the body. High levels of C-reactive protein has been linked to pre-eclampsia in women who are pregnant.  Pre-eclampsia causes high levels of protein in a mother’s urine and high blood pressure. Pre-eclampsia can be mild or it can lead to more severe life-threatening situations where the only choice is to deliver the baby.

While pregnancy and the birth of your baby should be an exciting time in your life, it is very important to take care of periodontal disease or gingivitis very quickly, leaving the disease untreated can cause problems for you and your baby. If your gums bleed when you are brushing and flossing and you are pregnant schedule an appointment today with one of Inland Empire’s top periodontists, Dr. Denine Rice.