Pregnancy can have an effect on your oral health; however, that doesn't mean you will have to suffer from tooth and gum sensitivity during the gestation period. Observing a good oral health regimen and eating a balanced diet can ensure you have a healthy pregnancy.
Periodontal Disease During Pregnancy
Pregnant women have a higher chance of contracting periodontal or gum disease, leading to complications. Women who have severe periodontitis are 7 times more likely to have premature labor and 5 times more likely to have low birth weight than women with no oral issues. In addition, their child is also at a greater risk of tooth decay before the age of five.
Effect of Tooth Decay on Your Baby
Babies are born without decay-causing bacteria. However, if a mother has these bacteria, she can easily transmit them to their baby before they turn three. The most common ways bacteria are transmitted to a baby's mouth include:
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Kissing on the mouth of the baby.
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Sharing a spoon or fork with your baby.
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Licking a pacifier clean with your mouth.
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Baby putting their hand in your mouth and then putting it in their mouth.
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria but babies are born without decay-causing bacteria. Later, the bacteria are transmitted to them through their mothers before they turn three.
The most common ways that bacteria is transmitted through include:
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Kissing
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Licking clean a pacifier with your mouth
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Using the same utensil
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Baby putting his hand in your mouth and then putting it in his mouth
If you plan on getting pregnant, visit Dr. Jae Seon Kim and Dr. Kim at Pacific Modern Dentistry so you can get treatment for your oral health issues. If you are pregnant but have less-than-stellar oral health, we can still help you by offering you non-aggressive treatment options while taking necessary precautions to keep you and your child safe.
If you are pregnant and suffer from oral health issues, call (206)284-4505 to schedule a visit today.
Pregnancy can have an effect on your oral health; however, that doesn't mean you will have to suffer from tooth and gum sensitivity during the gestation period. Observing a good oral health regimen and eating a balanced diet can ensure you have a healthy pregnancy.