Pregnancy and gingivitis are related. Gum problems have been shown to possibly cause problems with childbearing so it is very important to take excellent care of yourself if you are going to have a baby. The time spent performing excellent oral hygiene at home is worth it. There are many hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and this causes the woman's gums to become inflamed, swell and bleed. Stress can also be a factor, especially if it's the woman's first child. Bleeding gums is what most women are concerned about but recent studies have clearly shown that the fetus is affected by gum disease.

          Pregnancy and gingivitis problems can often be avoided when a patient has excellent dental care before getting pregnant. For the gums to become inflamed and swell, there has to be some irritation. This is usually in the form of plaque and perhaps some calculus underneath the gum tissues. Before becoming pregnant the woman's immune system was able to keep the swelling and slight dental infection under control. However, with hormonal changes and stress, her body no longer is able to contain the inflammation.

          In some cases, pregnancy and gingivitis combine to cause the gum tissues around a partially erupted wisdom tooth to swell and bleed. This often results in an dental emergency visit. The opposing tooth above the swollen gum tissue then bites down on the swollen gums and causes a lot of pain and infection. This is called pericornitis. In most cases, the patient is placed on a dental antibiotic and the offending tooth is removed in a week. If not, the pain can bother the mother and perhaps, affect the baby.

          Fortunately, pregnancy and gingivitis problems can be avoided with simple dental treatment. A dental cleaning and excellent home care during the nine months of carrying the baby will usually take care of the problem. Be absolutely sure to tell the dental hygienist that you are pregnant! The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Because we know that having a baby can be stressful, we will do everything we can to help you obtain your needed dental care comfortably. If you wish to schedule a free dental consultation with Atlanta Family Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky call 404-874-7428 for your appointment.