Dental 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.