Women who are attempting to conceive should see their dentist and clean their teeth on a regular basis, according to preliminary research, which found that gum disease can increase the time it takes for a woman to conceive by an average of two months. For the first time, fertility experts have demonstrated that poor oral health can have a major impact on the time to pregnancy from the moment a woman begins trying to conceive.
Gum disease is the beginning of the breakdown of the periodontium and bone structures that support the teeth. Gum disease affects both adults and children, albeit it is more common among the elderly. Gum disease begins with the accumulation of germs in plaque and tartar on the teeth, and if left untreated, can result in irreparable damage to the teeth and gums.
Periodontal (gum) disease is an inflamed, persistent infection of the gums and supporting tissues. It is caused by common bacteria found in everyone’s mouths, which, if left untreated, can cause inflammation around the tooth, causing the gums to pull away from the tooth, leaving infected gaps (periodontal pockets). Inflammation triggers a series of tissue-damaging events that can spread throughout the body. As a result, periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, lung and kidney disease, as well as pregnancy complications like miscarriage and early birth. Severe periodontal disease is thought to affect about 10% of the population. Brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis is the greatest approach to avoid it.
In some women, pregnancy can cause dental issues such as gum disease and tooth decay. Hormones influence the gums and teeth during pregnancy.
Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and seeing your dentist will help maintain your teeth and gums as healthy as possible while you’re pregnant.
Pregnancy hormones can put some women at risk for gum disorders, such as gingivitis (gum infection), which is most common in the second trimester. Gum swelling and bleeding are common symptoms, especially when cleaning and flossing between teeth. Infection of the structures that support the tooth is known as periodontal disease (gums, ligament and bone). Untreated gingivitis causes it, and it can lead to tooth loss. Pregnancy epulis, also known as pyogenic granuloma, is a red, spherical growth on the gums that bleeds easily.
