Gingivitis Can Negatively Affect Pregnancy

Recent research published in Oral Health & Preventative Dentistry suggests that pregnant individuals who received treatment for their gingivitis may experience fewer preterm births and increased birth weights. Gingivitis refers to an early stage of gum disease, a bacterial infection that can affect the body’s inflammatory response and impact pregnancy.

This study illustrates that although pregnant patients have many medical concerns on their plate, they should not neglect their oral health. Dr. Christopher Rebol, a dentist practicing in Asheville, NC, provides further information about gingivitis and the importance of prompt treatment for gum problems.

gum disease treatment Asheville North Carolina

All About Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the initial stage of periodontal disease, which can cause patients to experience swelling, tenderness, and bleeding in their gum tissue. While acute conditions, such as harsh teeth brushing methods, may cause this kind of reaction in the gums, you should contact your dental professional if you recognize these issues in yourself.

You may consider this dental issue tolerable or unimportant, but gum disease can impact your body’s inflammatory response, posing serious medical risks. If gingivitis progresses to more advanced stages of gum disease, bacteria can eat away at gum tissue and cause irreversible dental damage, including tooth loss.

Therefore, you should continue to see your dentist for routine dental cleanings and exams. Your dental professional will complete a periodontal evaluation and offer prompt treatment if they notice signs of gingivitis, catching it before it can worsen.

Periodontal Treatment Options

Your dentist will likely begin treating gingivitis during the same appointment that they diagnose the issue. They will first thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, removing plaque and tartar build-up that can aggravate the condition.

Your dental professional will focus on difficult-to-reach spots in your smile, including deep in the gum pockets to get rid of the infection. This targeted cleaning technique is called scaling and root planing.

Though we practice good oral hygiene to prevent contracting gum disease, pregnant patients and individuals with underlying medical conditions might be more susceptible to this problem. If this is the case, your dentist may suggest that you introduce an antibacterial mouthwash to your usual routine.

This will balance oral bacteria to reduce your chances of contracting infections like gingivitis. Ultimately, this can protect your overall wellbeing while alleviating uncomfortable periodontal symptoms.

More stubborn cases of gum disease may need more extensive periodontal therapy using laser dentistry. This option will remove damaged gum tissue and prevent the disease from spreading deeper into your gums. Your dentist can come up with a specified treatment plan for your periodontal concerns during a scheduled dentist appointment.

Learn More from Your Dentist in Asheville, NC

Rebol Family Dentistry offers periodontal therapy and other restorative dental treatments to patients of all ages. Dr. Rebol is an expert dentist located in Asheville, NC who also specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry, including professional teeth whitening. To schedule a consultation with our practice, contact our staff online or reach us by phone at 828.247.7222.