San Pedro Dentists Warn Expecting Mothers of Oral Health-Related Pregnancy Complications

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, August 21, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Pregnancy is a time of intense emotion, physical change and psychological preparation. Some of the better known symptoms of pregnancy include the dreaded morning sickness, a heightened sense of smell and, of course, cravings for unusual foods that can range from pickles to peanut butter (and sometimes pickles and peanut butter together). But what few San Pedro mothers know of and are prepared for is the impact fluctuating hormones can have on their dental health; and moreover, the impact poor dental health can have upon the their unborn child.

The Impacts of Pregnancy on Oral Health

Pregnancy is a time of great hormonal fluctuation and – similar to teenage puberty and menopause – this can have a serious effect upon your oral health. According to experienced dentist in San Pedro, Dr. Giri Palani, hormonal fluctuations leave you at a much greater risk gum infection, due in part to the greater production of progesterone, which is linked with the proliferation of certain types of disease-causing bacteria.

Progesterone has the added drawback of leaving your gums far more vulnerable to bacteria and your body incredibly sensitive to the toxins present in plaque. With pregnancy causing a surge in progesterone production – this hormone prepares the uterine walls to nurture a growing baby – this condition is very common amongst expecting mothers.

So much so, in fact, that it has got a name: “pregnancy gingivitis.”

“Gingivitis is characterized as a mild infection of the gums surrounding the teeth and is most often brought about by increased numbers of oral bacteria,” explains San Pedro dental implant dentist Dr. Palani. “These nasty microscopic critters feed upon the food left in our mouths after a meal and produce acidic byproducts. It’s these byproducts that cause the gums to become irritated, inflamed and swollen. They also cause cavities to develop in your dental enamel, leading to decay and eventually, without treatment, tooth loss.”

The Symptoms of Pregnancy Gingivitis

According to the American Dental Association, a shocking 40% of expecting mothers will develop “pregnancy gingivitis” at some stage as a result of fluctuating hormones. Some of the symptoms of this condition include:

•    Inflammation of the gums
•    Gums that bleed when brushing
•    Swollen gums
•    Bad breath (halitosis)

The Impacts of Gum Disease on Pregnancy

While a little gingivitis won’t necessarily permanently harm you or your child during pregnancy, some of San Pedro’s mothers-to-be already present with gum problems and so, the onset of these pregnancy-related symptoms can exacerbate their condition.

“This can occur to such an extent that the expecting mother develops full-blown gum disease and this terrible ailment not only puts her oral health at risk, but also that of her unborn child!” warns Dr. Palani. “There are multiple major peer-reviewed scientific studies that have demonstrated a link between gum disease and low birth weight babies, as well as premature labor. So, it’s really important for expecting mothers to be aware of this risk.”

One study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association revealed that those who suffered from chronic gum disease were up to 7 times more likely to deliver their babies prematurely (before nine months) than those with healthy mouths. Since babies put on weight in their final month of gestation, premature birth often results in a lower than healthy weight and this could leave the child vulnerable. Mothers with severe gum disease – known as periodontitis – could go into labor even earlier and the risk to the child could be serious.

What Should San Pedro’s Mothers-to-be Do?

“Even if you are in good oral health and brush your teeth twice a day, it is vital for you to become extra good about caring for your teeth,” says San Pedro dental implant surgeon, Dr. Palani. “Brush thoroughly three times a day, floss every night and even make use of an anti-bacterial, alcohol-free mouthwash.”

Additionally, now more than ever, it’s also crucial for you to receive routine professional attention, which includes three-monthly cleanings and bi-annual check-ups. Make sure you tell your dentist and oral hygienist that you’re pregnant and they will provide you with the preventative attention and treatment you need to maintain excellent oral health, as well as the health of your unborn baby girl or boy.

About Dr. Giri Palani

Dr. Giri Palani is a cosmetic, implant and general dentist who has been serving San Pedro CA and surrounding communities for many years. He is a graduate of the prestigious Marquette University Dental School and completed his general practice residency at the world-renowned Cedar Sinai Hospital in New York. Dr. Palani is certified and qualified in the provision of sedation, dental implants, Invisalign and a plethora of other unique dental services, which he provides from his practice, The Center for Dental Implants. He has earned a Fellowship award from both the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the Academy of General Dentistry.

Contact Dr. Giri Palani

To contact Dr. Palani and The Center for Dental Implants in San Pedro, you can send them an email at drpalani@totalsmilecare.com or give them a call at (800) 573-1215. Alternatively, you can leave your contact details with their staff on their website: http://www.teeth4losangeles.com/contact-us.html

Physical Address:
The Center for Dental Implants

28358 S. Western Ave
Rancho Palos Verdes,
CA 90275
http://www.teeth4losangeles.com/