Cosmetic Dental Hygiene – Gum Disorders

A woman’s oral health can have a significant impact on the health of her pregnancy and baby.

The increased levels of hormones specifically female hormones progesterone and estrogen can lead to mild inflammation of gum tissue. This inflammation is called pregnancy gingivitis and may lead to swollen or red gums and mild bleeding during brushing or flossing. According to statistics nearly ¾ of all pregnant women may suffer from pregnancy gingivitis, which usually decreases in the final trimester.

Gingivitis that existed before pregnancy may only get worse during pregnancy. Both pre-existing gingivitis and pregnancy-related gingivitis can deteriorate into periodontal disease. Periodontal or gum disease has been linked to serious complications during pregnancy including premature birth and babies with low birth weights. Women who have gum disease are at an estimated seven times the risk of these complications than women with healthier gum tissue.

Although biannual dental checkups are recommended for most people, only about 50 percent of pregnant women visit a dentist during their pregnancy. If you are pregnant, it is important that you visit our Los Angeles dentistfor a full checkup to ensure your gums are healthy and teeth are strong. According to Dr. Shervin M. Louie, regular brushing after meals with a soft-bristled brush and daily flossing can help reduce plaque buildup and maintain gum health.

If you notice bleeding or swollen gums, contact our Hollywood Dentist a comprehensive assessment. More than your oral health may depend on it.