Women need extra care and supervision during pregnancy. They have to go through many uncomfortable phases during those nine months. They need to be cautious because whatever they do will have a direct impact on the health of the baby in their womb. One such thing is that women are susceptible to gingivitis, which can induce poor pregnancy outcomes. According to a study by the University of Sydney, the risk of delivering a premature baby can be reduced by half if the woman receives proper and good oral care.
As a part of the study, researchers examined the pregnancies and oral health of almost 1,000 women. The group was given supragingival and subgingival scaling by instrumentation. They were also made aware of the best practices to maintain oral hygiene. The report highlights that women who received treatment for pregnancy gingivitis had a statistically significant reduced risk for preterm birth and they also saw statistically significant higher birth weight.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is referred to as an inflammation of the gums that is caused when plaque accumulates in the opening between the teeth and the gum. If untreated this can lead to the accumulation of bacteria, which in turn can cause loss of bone around the teeth and may eventually lead to tooth decay and tooth loss.
Gingivitis is also triggered by the hormonal imbalance and if proper treatment for it is not administered, it can cause pre-eclampsia (extremely high blood pressure), gum tissue ulcers, pregnancy granuloma, pregnancy tumours, loose teeth, dry mouth, and even dental erosions in mothers. While it can cause harm to the expecting mother but it can even increase the chances of miscarriages, premature deliveries, and babies with low birth weight.
Gingivitis Can Lead To Preterm Delivery
A recent report published by the University of Sydney highlights the impact Gingivitis can have on pregnant women. It mentions that oral infection can have systemic effects on the body. Gingivitis releases inflammatory markers and bacteria into the systemic bloodstream, which may reach the placenta. This can result in various complications and can even lead to preterm delivery.
70 per cent of pregnant women suffer from gum problems
According to Dr Mohendar Narula, – Founder and Chairman, MyDentalPlan Healthcare Pvt. Ltd – oral hygiene is an important factor during pregnancy but the irony is that around 70 per cent of pregnant women in India suffer gum problems.
“During pregnancy, oral hygiene is an important factor, however, many women find it difficult to maintain good oral health. Almost 70% of women in India suffer from gum problems during pregnancy. Out of all the oral problems, pregnancy gingivitis can cause numerous systemic disorders such as gestational diabetes, heart, kidney diseases. Maintaining good oral hygiene at all times can help prevent pregnancy gingivitis. Another aspect to keep in mind is that timely intervention is the key to treating this and ensures smooth pregnancy,” Dr Narula said.
What Pregnant Women Need To Do
Most dentists advise pregnant women to use extra-soft toothbrushes and alcohol-free or salt rinses. It is also recommended that expecting mothers should go for teeth cleaning during their second trimester. Pregnant women need to be more vigilant about their overall health and oral health is an important part of it. In case of any discomfiture or discomfort, they should not shy away from visiting a dentist and follow their advice.