Healthy mouth, healthy mom and baby

Taking care of your teeth and gums may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about pregnancy, but it’s actually very important. In recent years, it’s come to light that oral health is closely linked to overall health. Mouth infection, especially gum disease, is associated with a host of health problems, including heart disease and stroke. Scientists think that chronic inflammation in the mouth may be what’s contributing to these problems.

Keeping your mouth healthy may be especially important during pregnancy. In multiple studies, researchers found an association between gum disease and both premature birth and low birth weight. It’s still not clear whether gum disease actually causes preterm birth, or if the two conditions tend to coexist for other reasons. Nevertheless, evidence is mounting for the influence of oral health on pregnancy. Just this month, a new study showed that pregnant women with gum disease may also be more likely to develop gestational diabetes.

Pregnancy hormones make the gums more sensitive to swelling, bleeding, and infection. What can you do to maintain your healthy smile while you’re pregnant? If you haven’t always brushed and flossed regularly, start doing it! Schedule a checkup with your dentist, ideally as soon as you start trying to conceive. Regular dental visits are safe during pregnancy, too, so don’t neglect those. This page has some more good tips for taking care of your mouth and going to the dentist while you’re pregnant.