Hormonal changes during pregnancy can adversely affect the mother’s oral health
The importance of oral health should not be underestimated, as oral hygiene is often considered the “mirror of health” because it can indicate so much about general health. In 2021, the World Health Organization adopted a resolution according to which maintaining healthy oral hygiene reduces the chances of developing serious health problems.
Inflammation of the gums can adversely affect pregnancy
Teeth and gum care is essential at every stage of life. In an article published in 2019 in the magazine Journal of Dental Research, it is found that periodontitis – a severe form of gum infection, which usually develops from a milder inflammation (gingivitis), has been associated with more than 50 diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Referring to pregnant women, the authors of the article associated cases of periodontitis with various pregnancy conditions, including lower birth weight, increased risk of premature birth and excessively high maternal blood pressure (preeclampsia). [1].
The risk that may arise during pregnancy is supported by preliminary data from a pilot study conducted in the United States, which involved 67 pregnant women with poor periodontal disease. During pregnancy, they benefited from non-surgical dental descaling and deep cleaning of dental hygiene, then received a Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush, which they can use at home. Preliminary results suggest a 3.8-fold decrease in the rate of premature births and a reduction in several molecular markers of systemic (whole-body) inflammation after this treatment. [2].
What is pregnancy gingivitis and how can pregnant women avoid it?
From the beginning of pregnancy until after birth, it is important to pay special attention to teeth and gums. Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy can damage the adhesion of dental plaque and can lead to inflammation of the gums. The so-called “pregnancy gingivitis” has been shown to affect 60-75% of pregnant women. [5] and, in some cases, may progress to periodontitis, increasing the risk of adverse effects in pregnancy, but also other health conditions [6].
Pregnant women who suffer from morning sickness should also rinse their mouths with water after vomiting and then wait at least an hour before brushing. [7]. Brushing immediately spreads acid reflux around the mouth, increasing the extent to which it can affect tooth enamel, while rinsing with water dilutes and immediately removes the acid.
Dentists say that proper brushing for two minutes twice a day and regular dental check-ups are the best way to combat plaque buildup and prevent gingivitis during pregnancy. [8]. However, there are additional steps that pregnant women can follow to maintain good oral health, such as flossing or switching from a manual toothbrush to an electric toothbrush. For the best oral care, Philips recommends the most advanced electric toothbrush with SenseIQ technologydesigned to detect, adapt and care for a custom brushing routine.
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a step that any pregnant woman can take to protect her and her child’s health. At Philips, we offer innovations that support and optimize your personal health and home care routine. With customized, connected solutions, we give people more control to help prevent disease and manage health.
reference
[1] Beck JD, Papapanou PN, Philips KH, Offenbacher S. Periodontal
Medicine: 100 years of progress. J Dent Res. September 2019; 98 (10): 1053-1062. doi: 10.1177 / 0022034519846113. PMID: 31429666.
[2] Offenbacher S, Lin D, Strauss R, McKaig R, Irving J, Barros SP, Moss K, Barrow DA, Hefti A, Beck JD. Effects of periodontal therapy during pregnancy on periodontal status, biological parameters and pregnancy outcomes: a pilot study. J Periodontol. 2006 Dec; 77 (12): 2011-24. doi: 10.1902 / jop.2006.060047. PMID: 17209786
[3] West Virginia Healthy Start / HAPI Project: Helping Parents and Infants in Appalachia
[4] Wiener RC, Waters C. Personal control of oral infections, low birth weight, and preterm birth in Appalachia West Virginia: A cross-sectional study. Adv Prev Med. August 7, 2018; 2018: 9618507. doi: 10.1155 / 2018/9618507. PMID: 30174960; PMCID: PMC6106793.
[5] Steinberg BJ. Women’s oral health issues. J Dent Educ. 1999; 63 (3): 271-275.
[6] Sanz M, Kornman K; working group 3 of the joint VET / PAA workshop. Periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes: consensus report of the Joint VET Workshop on periodontitis and systemic diseases. J Periodontol. 2013; 84 (4 Suppl): S164-S169. doi: 10.1902 / jop.2013.1340016
[7] https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/bleeding-gums/
[8] https://www.nhsinform.scot/ready-steady-baby/pregnancy/looking-after-yourself-and-your-baby/looking-after-your-teeth-and-gums-in-pregnancy
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