Oral Health for Expectant Moms

Congratulations—you’re having a baby! Now, have you discussed this with your dentist?  If you haven’t, you should consider making an appointment right now for a complete oral health exam. If you are still in the planning stages, you should notify your dentist even before you become pregnant to ensure your oral health is in tip-top condition by the time you conceive.  And if you're not already doing so, start implementing an oral health care regimen to reduce the risk of complications that can arise due to pregnancy.  DrTung's just so happens to have all the necessary tools for creating and maintaining healthy gums....just add water! So why IS having a healthy oral microbiome so important during pregnancy? Because any type of gum condition can have an impact on the health of your baby.  As a matter of fact, recent studies have provided new evidence that periodontal disease in pregnant women may be a significant risk factor for preterm low birth weight. A number of studies also suggest that 18% of all low birth weight cases may be attributable to periodontal disease. It now appears that periodontal disease stimulates the body to release chemicals that can induce labor. Study data also suggests that if a pregnant woman’s periodontal condition worsens during pregnancy it will create an even greater risk of premature birth.((http://www.dentalwellness4u.com/dentaldisease/preterm.htm)) In addition to gum disease, there are several other oral health complications that can arise during pregnancy and can potentially impact your baby's health.

Dry Mouth:

Most pregnant women experience some form of dry mouth due to changes in metabolism—you’re running through fluids at an accelerated pace and that increases the demand on your kidneys and bladder, which requires more fluids.  This is normal and keeping a water bottle nearby helps combat this condition.  However, dry mouth can also be a sign of gestational diabetes. Per the CDC, Gestational Diabetes comes about when blood sugar is not well controlled.  So if you’re experiencing dry mouth or increased thirst while you are staying hydrated, you should speak to your physician. (Typically, a glucose test is done in the second trimester where gestational diabetes being present can be determined.)

Pregnancy Gingivitis:

As a result of varying hormone levels, 40% of women will develop gingivitis sometime during their pregnancy—a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. The increased level of progesterone in pregnancy may make it easier for certain gingivitis-causing bacteria to grow, as well as make gum tissue more sensitive to plaque and exaggerate the body's response to the toxins (poisons) that result from plaque. Signs of pregnancy gingivitis range from redder-looking gums that bleed a little when brushing teeth, to severe swelling and bleeding of gum tissue.(( https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/pregnancy-gingivitis-tumors#1))

Enamel Erosion from Morning Sickness:

For many women, morning sickness is a major symptom of pregnancy. Along with the nausea comes additional acid that, if left in your mouth, can erode your teeth. Be sure to rinse your mouth out with water or swish and chew with DrTung’s Oil Pulling Concentrate to keep the acid level under control and to strengthen teeth and gums while helping with mouth dryness and other oral conditions.

Pregnancy Tumors:

Not as scary as it sounds; these tumors are not malignant.  They can occur due to hormonal changes.  Sometimes a large lump with deep red pinpoint markings on it forms on inflamed gum tissue, usually near the upper gum line. The red lump glistens, may bleed and crust over, and can make eating and speaking difficult and cause discomfort. These growths are called pregnancy tumors and can occur at any time during the course of pregnancy, although they usually occur during the second trimester.((https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/pregnancy-gingivitis-tumors#1)) Of course, we encourage you to consult your physician or dentist with any of these potential concerns. Our goal is to help you stay healthy during this wonderful time of your life! You may also want to consider enhancing your wellness routine by giving yourself an energy boost at the cellular level with Dr. Neidermaier's Regulat Pro--an all natural supplement that is easily absorbed and highly nutritious. Trust me--pregnancy can really zap the energy from you (especially in the first trimester)....you'll appreciate this natural boost!  With all the changes occurring in your body due to pregnancy, don’t overlook the importance of taking care of your total health, which includes your oral health.  Your baby is depending on you!