Gum infection and gum diseases in pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most sensitive stages of every woman’s life when many physiological and hormonal changes occur in the body. These changes not only affect the body’s internal systems but can also affect the health of the mouth and teeth. One of the common problems in this period is gum infection and gum disease during pregnancy, which increases the sensitivity of the gums to oral bacteria due to the increase in estrogen and progesterone hormones.

As a result, pregnant women may face problems such as gingivitis, bleeding, and even more serious infections. This situation can not only be annoying for the mother but also endangers the health of the fetus. Research has shown that gum diseases in pregnancy can be associated with complications such as premature birth and weight loss of the baby.

Therefore, it is particularly important to pay attention to gum health and oral hygiene during this period. In this article, we will examine the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of gum infections during pregnancy.

Causes and factors affecting gum infection during pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy

One of the most important causes of gum infection during pregnancy is hormonal changes. During this period, the level of estrogen and progesterone hormones increases sharply. These hormonal changes cause the blood flow in the gums to increase and the gum tissue to become more sensitive and prone to inflammation and infection. For this reason, the gums react more strongly against the bacterial plaques that are naturally present in the mouth. This condition can lead to swelling, redness and even bleeding gums, which is called pregnancy gingivitis.

Decreased immune system

During pregnancy, the immune system of the mother’s body is adjusted in such a way that the fetus is not rejected by the body as a foreign organism. These immune changes can lead to a decrease in the body’s ability to fight infections, including mouth and gum infections. This makes it easier for bacteria and plaque to accumulate in the space between the teeth and gums and cause inflammation and infection. In addition, the reduction of the immune system can cause gum infections to progress faster during this period and lead to more serious diseases such as periodontitis.

Changes in eating habits and oral hygiene

During pregnancy, many women make changes in their eating habits due to morning sickness. Consuming more sugary and acidic substances may increase the formation of bacterial plaques in the mouth. In addition, nausea and vomiting can make the oral environment more acidic weaken the tooth enamel, and irritate the gums.

On the other hand, pregnant women may pay less attention to their oral and dental hygiene due to fatigue or physical discomfort, which can increase the risk of gum infections. Failure to observe oral and dental hygiene during this period can quickly lead to the accumulation of plaques and, as a result, gum infections.

Signs and symptoms of gum infection in pregnant women

Swelling, redness, and bleeding gums

One of the most obvious symptoms of gum infection during pregnancy is swelling and redness of the gums. The gums may become more sensitive to the touch and bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing. These bleedings are usually painless, but if the infection progresses, they may be accompanied by pain and discomfort. These symptoms occur due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes that make the gums more sensitive to bacterial plaques.

Bad breath and unpleasant taste

In addition to the external symptoms, gum infection in pregnant women can cause bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. This problem is caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaques and inflammation of the gums, which over time causes the release of sulfur compounds in the mouth. Also, if the infection progresses, the person may feel loose teeth. If these symptoms are ignored, they can lead to more serious diseases such as periodontitis, which pose more risks to the health of the mother and fetus.

Effects of gum infection on maternal and fetal health

Premature birth and low birth weight

Gum infection during pregnancy affects not only the health of the mother but also the health of the fetus. Research has shown that gum disease can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Inflammation of the gums causes the release of inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandins, which can act as a trigger for the early onset of uterine contractions. This issue may lead to premature birth and as a result problems such as the baby being premature and needing special care after birth.

Increased risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes

Gum infections can increase the level of inflammation in the body and thus increase the risk of preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy). In addition, chronic inflammation caused by gum disease may affect the mother’s metabolism and increase the risk of gestational diabetes.

These complications can cause serious problems for the mother and fetus and increase the need for special care during pregnancy. Therefore, timely prevention and treatment of gum infections is very important to avoid these complications.

Is it safe to treat gum infection during pregnancy?

Gum infection treatment during pregnancy is usually safe if done correctly and with safety precautions. Many treatment methods, such as professional teeth cleaning and removal of plaque and calculus, can be performed without any problems for the mother and fetus. The best time to perform these treatments is the second trimester of pregnancy because during this period, the mother’s body has reached a greater balance and the risk of miscarriage or premature birth is lower. However, in case of acute infection, treatment is necessary at any stage of pregnancy to prevent serious complications for the mother and fetus.

In cases where the gum infection is severe and requires drug treatment, the dentist in Hamilton can use safe drugs that are approved for pregnant women. For example, the use of safe antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin may be recommended to control the infection.

Also, it is possible to use local anesthetics to perform dental treatments if needed, without causing serious risk to the fetus. However, it is always recommended to consult a dentist and obstetrician before any treatment or medication to ensure that the chosen method is safe for the health of the mother and fetus.

Frequently asked questions about gum infection and gum diseases in pregnancy:

Can gum infection during pregnancy harm the fetus?

Yes, gum infections can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Therefore, treatment and prevention of these infections during pregnancy is very important.

When is the best time for dental treatments during pregnancy?

The best time to perform dental treatments is the second trimester of pregnancy because during this period the mother’s body has reached a greater balance and there are fewer risks for the fetus.

Is it safe to use antibiotics to treat gum infection in pregnancy?

Yes, some antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin are considered safe for pregnant women, but their use should only be done under the supervision of a doctor or dentist.