How Good Dental Health Can Help Prevent Premature Births by Dr. Amanda Tavoularis (dentably.com)

Dr. Amanda Tavoularis has been committed to excellent dentistry for over 20 years. She studied at the University of Washington School of Dentistry and has gone on to complete over 200 hours of study at the prestigious Kois Center located in Seattle. She belongs to numerous dentistry networks include the American Dental Association and the Wellness Dentistry Network. With being a female dentist on the Dentably team, Dr. Amanda can provide her expertise for dental care for women as well as expecting mothers. She has a son of her own and is committed to providing the most accurate information possible for patients.

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When you become pregnant, your body begins changing and preparing to bring a new life into the world. While it’s important that you remain as healthy as possible for yourself and your baby, it’s important to take special care of your teeth and gums while pregnant. In fact, many women can develop gingivitis during pregnancy. This is often referred to as pregnancy gingivitis and according to the CDC, 60 to 75 percent of pregnant women develop this disease while pregnant.This is important because gum disease can cause complications that result in premature births.

While pregnant it is vital that you take care of your gums to help prevent this disease. I have been practicing dentistry for nearly 20 years and have worked with women on prioritizing their dental health during pregnancy so they can safely carry their baby to term.

1. Have a Good Dental Care Routine
The best way to take care of your teeth and gums is to have an effective dental care routine during your pregnancy. This will help prevent gum disease and gingivitis. Good dental hygiene consists of brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using an antimicrobial mouth rinse. Another great way to keep your mouth healthy during this special time is to avoid sugary foods. Excessively eating foods high in sugar can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, so try incorporating more vegetables, lean proteins, and nuts and seeds into your diet to help prevent any disease.

2. Schedule Regular Dental Visits
You will also want to continue visiting your dentist during pregnancy to try and prevent gum disease. Professional dental cleanings are more important during your pregnancy and are essential to preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist can also evaluate your periodontal health so you both can work together to decrease the chances of pregnancy complications and delivering prematurely. Let your dentist know that you are expecting, and they will be able to accommodate to yours and your baby’s needs.

3. Seek Treatment Immediately
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease or believe that you may have it, it’s important to seek treatment quickly. The bacteria from gum disease can attack the ligaments, gums, and bones surrounding your teeth to create infected pockets similar to large infected wounds in the oral cavity. These pockets can provide access to your bloodstream and allow bacteria to travel throughout your body, down to the uterus and placenta. Visiting your regular dentist is the best way to treat your gingivitis or gum disease.

Most doctors recommend waiting until your second trimester before receiving dental procedures. Your dentist will give you a deep cleaning to get rid of plaque and build-up that’s contributing to the disease. If your gum disease is severe, your dentist or doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help combat the infection. Your doctor will know which medications are safe for you during your pregnancy, but be sure to let them know of any allergies that you have. It’s important that you take precautionary measures to make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible for you and your baby because premature births are more common in mothers with poor dental health. Regular dental visits, seeking treatment, and continuing a good dental care routine the best ways to help prevent gum disease and preterm birth.

Remember also to enjoy this time in your life and embrace the changes happening to your body. :)