Do I Need Dental Care While I'm Pregnant?

A woman's gum tissue changes during pregnancy. First-time mothers tell us, "I knew my body was going through major changes, but I didn't realize my mouth was too!" During pregnancy, a surge of hormones (mainly estrogen) creates an increase in the plaque build-up on the teeth. The tissue in the lining of the uterus is almost identical to the tissue in the mouth. When one changes, so does the other. If the pregnancy plaque isn't removed, it may cause a gum condition called "pregnancy gingivitis."

The more infected your gums and teeth become, the greater the chances are that bacteria will travel through bloodstream to your fetus. This causes an immune response that damages the tissues in the placenta and sometimes prompts premature labor and/or a lower birth-weight baby.

So, be sure and visit us early in your pregnancy for a cleaning and gum tissue evaluation. Contact our office for a convenient appointment.