Pregnancy and oral health.indd

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Oral Health and Pregnancy. 04/05. As a woman you have special needs at different points. of your life. Your oral health is no exception, and can …

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Fact Sheets for Families
Oral Health and Pregnancy
04/05
As a woman you have special needs at different points
of your life. Your oral health is no exception, and can
be affected by hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation,
pregnancy and menopause. While good oral
health, which includes care of the teeth, gums and
mouth, is important in any stage of your life, it is very
important during pregnancy.
What are some common dental problems
during pregnancy?
Pregnant women are at higher risk for developing
tooth decay. They are also particularly vulnerable to
gum disease (gingivitis) and a chronic bacterial disease
that affects the gums, attachment fi bers and bone supporting
the teeth (periodontal disease or periodontitis).
These risks increase in women who smoke, experience
nutritional defi ciencies, or have less frequent visits to
the dentist. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate
oral hygiene and is reversible with professional treatment
and good oral care. Untreated gingivitis can
advance to periodontitis.
How does pregnancy affect teeth and
gums?
?Pregnant women and those who take some oral
contraceptives experience high levels of the hormone
progesterone. Elevated levels of this hormone
increase gum sensitivity to the bacteria found in
plaque…