This blog post is part of a series of Total Health Dental Care articles to inform our readers about the connection between your oral health and your overall health.
If you are pregnant, no doubt you are constantly bombarded with tips, advice and opinions.
Here is a tip to safeguard the health of your baby; please, go see your dentist. 
The bacteria that cause gum disease may increase a mom’s risk for delivering prematurely. (Mom, you may not even know you have gum disease. Yes, those hormones can also affect your gums!)
Gum Disease & Developing Babies
There is a link between uncontrolled gum disease (once again, mom may not even know she has gum disease) and pregnancy complications such as premature labor and preeclampsia (rise in blood pressure).
A study exploring the possible link between gum disease and preeclampsia found that 50% of the placentas from women with preeclampsia were positive for one or more gum disease pathogens.
Scientists believe these infections cause a rapid increase in certain fluids in the body that, in turn, induce labor. It’s not necessarily the infection itself, but the body’s response to the infection that causes the premature birth.
Mom’s Hormones & Tooth Decay
Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase the risk of developing gum disease, which can affect the health of their babies.
Studies have shown that bacteria responsible for tooth decay are passed from the mother to the child in utero. The more frequently you give in to the craving for sugary snacks, the greater the chance of developing tooth decay.
Additionally, pregnant women with acid reflux are also at a greater risk of tooth erosion and periodontal problems as the acid dissolves away the protective coating of teeth (enamel) leaving them weakened and at a very high risk of needing extensive (and expensive) restorations.
Dr. Korenman recommends that women visit his office as soon as they learn or their pregnancy. Dr. Korenman and his team will test for any health problems that might affect your baby.
If you are diagnosed with gum disease, Dr. Korenman can design a safe treatment plan to help you keep it under control.
For the health of your unborn baby, we urge you to call Loveable Smiles for your Total Health Dental Care appointment at 972-231-0585.
This is just one of many examples of how we treat people, not just teeth.
#pregnancy
#pregnancyhormones
#toothdecay