Periodontal &​Implant Solutions
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Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy

Researchers have shown that periodontal disease in expectant mothers actually exposes their unborn child to many different risks; particularly if they also happen to be diabetes sufferers.
​
Periodontal disease generally begins with a bacterial infection in the gum (gingival) tissue, which progressively destroys the tissue and the underlying bone.  If left untreated, the bacterial infection causes an inflammatory reaction in the body, which can significantly deepen the gum pockets (space between the teeth and gums) and forces the gum and jawbone to recede.  Eventually, the progressive nature of periodontal disease causes the teeth to become loose and unstable, and eventually fall out.

Pregnancy causes many hormonal changes which increase the risk of the expectant mother to develop gingivitis (inflammation of the gum tissue) and periodontal disease.  These oral problems have been linked in many research studies to preeclampsia, low birth weight of the baby and premature birth.  Expectant women should seek immediate treatment for periodontal disease in order to reduce the risk of pre-natal and post-natal complications.

Reasons for the Connection
​There are many different reasons why periodontal disease may affect the health of the mother and her unborn child:
  • Prostaglandin – Periodontal disease appears to elevate levels of prostaglandin in mothers who are suffering from the more advanced forms of the condition.  Prostaglandin is a labor-inducing compound found in one of the oral bacteria strains associated with periodontitis.  Elevated levels of prostaglandin can cause the mother to give birth prematurely and deliver a baby with a low birth weight.
  • C - reactive protein (CRP) – This protein, which has been previously linked to heart disease, has now been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia and premature birth.  Periodontal infections elevate C-reactive protein levels and amplify the body’s natural inflammatory response.  Periodontal bacteria may enter the bloodstream causing the liver to produce CRP which leads to inflamed arteries as well as possible blood clots.  These inflammatory effects can then lead to blocked arteries causing strokes or heart attacks.
  • Bacteria spread – The bacteria which colonize in the gum pockets can readily travel through the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body.  In pregnant women, research has found that oral bacteria and associated pathogens have colonized in the internal mammary glands and coronary arteries.

Diagnosis and Treatment
There are many safe, non surgical treatment options available for pregnant women.  It is of paramount importance to halt the progress of periodontal disease in order to increase the chances of a safe and healthy delivery.

Initially, the dentist will assess the exact condition of the gums and jawbone in order to make a precise diagnosis.  Scaling and root planing are two common non-surgical procedures used to rid the tooth-root surfaces of calculus (tartar) and remove the bacterial toxins from the gum pockets.
The advantages to the pregnant woman are plentiful.  The risks of pregnancy complications caused by periodontal disease are reduced by as much as 50%, and these treatments will alleviate many unpleasant and harmful effects associated with gingivitis and periodontal infection.

Dentists can provide dental education and recommendations to the pregnant women on effective home care which can reduce risks that may affect her and/or her child’s health.  Risks of periodontal disease can be vastly reduced by proper home care, smoking cessation, dietary changes and the ingestion of supplementary vitamins.

If you have any questions or concerns about periodontal disease and its affect on pregnancy, please ask your dentist.

Location

62 Summit Avenue 

Hackensack, NJ 07601

What Our Clients Are Saying

Every experience was excellent. I appreciate the calls after surgery to make sure I am ok.  Not many doctors take the time. I’d rather be on vacation, but the experience always went well. Thank You."
- Malina Newman

​"Thank you for all the things you and your staff have done for me. I really appreciate your kindness. I couldn't have been a nicer experience” - L. Joyce

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"I've been to many offices where I left feeling horrible about my teeth but here I was explained everything in detail and given the time to ask all questions I had. The staff was helpful and all were super nice. I will be recommending this dentist office whenever someone is looking for one." - Jillian

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  • Home
  • Our Practice
    • Meet Dr. Ayad
    • Meet The Staff
    • Testimonials
  • Procedures
    • Cleanings & Prevention >
      • Dental Exams & Cleanings
      • Dental X-Rays
      • Home Care
      • How To Properly Brush & Floss
    • Periodontal Disease >
      • Diagnosis
      • Treatment
      • Maintenance
      • Causes of Periodontal Disease
      • Types of Periodontal Disease
      • Signs & Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
      • Mouth - Body Connection
      • Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease and Stroke
      • Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy
      • Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis
      • Periodontal Disease and Respiratory Disease
      • What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
    • Periodontics >
      • What is a Periodontist?
      • When to See a Periodontist
      • Antibiotic Treatment
      • Bone Grafting
      • Bruxism
      • Crown Lengthening
      • Gum & Jawbone Corrective Treatments
      • Gum Grafting
      • Gum Recession
      • Oral Cancer Exam
      • Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing
      • Pocket Irrigation
      • Pocket Reduction Surgery
      • Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
      • Regenerative Procedures
      • Ridge Modification
      • Sinus Augmentation
      • Soft Tissue Grafting
    • Immediate Implant Replacement
    • Sedation
    • FAQs
  • Patient Login/ Forms
    • Patient Forms
  • payment
    • Financial Options
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • COVID-19