What Your Gums Can Expect When You Are Expecting

The American Academy of Periodontology
AAP Patient Page
September 2007

Congratulations! You are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant! Whether or not you want it, everyone you know will be giving you advice about how to eat, sleep, exercise, and take care of your body during this exciting time. However, what some might forget is the importance of taking care of your oral health.

Good oral health is always important. However, it may be especially important for expecting mothers as recent research suggests that pregnant women with periodontal diseases may be up to seven times more likely to have a baby that’s born too early and too small. Preterm births are dangerous for both baby and mother. They are the leading cause of neonatal death and can lead to life-long health problems such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and difficulties with blindness and lung disease.

The likely culprit of this possible connection is a labor-inducing chemical found in oral bacteria called prostaglandin. Very high levels of prostaglandin are found in women with severe cases of periodontal disease.

In addition, other research has identified bacteria commonly found in the mouth and associated with periodontal disease in the amniotic fluid of some pregnant women. Amniotic fluid is a liquid that surrounds an unborn baby during pregnancy. Any disruptions in the amniotic fluid, such as a bacterial infection, could potentially be dangerous to both the mother and baby.

Don’t panic! Take your concerns to your dental professional. If you’re diagnosed with periodontal disease, your periodontist might recommend a common nonsurgical procedure called scaling and root planning. During this procedure, your tooth-root surfaces are cleaned to remove plaque and tartar from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the root to remove bacterial toxins. Research suggests that scaling and root planning may reduce the risk of preterm birth in pregnant women with periodontal disease by up to 84 percent.

For more information on gum disease and pregnancy visit The AAP Website at www.perio.org or visit Philadelphia Periodontist Dr. Stephen Brown on the web at www.theperiogroup.com.

A Laser Approach to Gum Disease Treatment

More than one in three people over age 30 have some form of periodontal disease that has advanced beyond early stage gingivitis. Since periodontal disease is often painless, developing silently, most people do not even realize they have it.

Not only are periodontal disease and tooth decay the primary cause of adult tooth loss, but research has shown that there is a link between periodontal infection and other systemic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and preterm low birth weight babies. Good periodontal health is paramount to a healthy body and a healthy mind.

A periodontist is a dentist whose specialty is the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. Periodontists are skilled in the latest techniques for diagnosis and treating gum disease and performing periodontal plastic surgery to correct gummy smiles.

General Dentists typically refer patients to a periodontal disease when they first detect signs and symptoms; however, patients to do not need a referral to see a gum specialist or implant dentist. There are occasions when patients choose to seek out the advise of a periodontist on their own or on the recommendation of a family member or friend. Seeking the advice of a gum disease specialist may be especially important if a patient:

1. suspects they are experiencing symptoms of gum disease including bleeding gums, swollen or tender gums, gums that have pulled away from teeth, persistent bad breath, pus, loose teeth, or a change in the way teeth fit together.


2. is planning to become pregnant


3. have a family history of gum disease


4. have other health issues including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or osteoporosis


5. feels that they have a "gummy smile" or teeth that appear either too short or too long


6. has decided to replace a missing tooth/teeth and would like to explore all the options


7. is experiencing mouth irritation that doesn't quickly subside

Much can be done to prevent and treat periodontal disease today more than ever. Laser periodontal treatment is quickly becoming a popular option among patients with gum disease. If you'd like more information about treating gum disease with a laser instead of a scalpel, contact Dr. Stephen Brown at The Perio Group by calling (215) 735-3660 or visiting http://www.theperiogroup.com/ on the web.