Pregnancy and oral health: why are checkups important?
Pregnancy is a time of great changes in women . To protect the health and well-being of the baby to be born, there are many aspects that the mother must take into consideration, not least oral health . Hormonal changes during pregnancy, in fact, can compromise both the health of the mother and the baby.
We talked about it with Professor Nicoletta Di Simone , head of the Multidisciplinary Center of Obstetric Pathology of Humanitas San Pio X , and Professor Roberto Weinstein of the Pregnancy Periodontology Clinic of Humanitas Medical Care Murat.
Why can oral health affect fertility?
« Periodontal disease – explains Professor Nicoletta Di Simone – has been associated with polycystic ovary syndrome , endometriosis , obesity and the woman’s age , which in turn are risk factors that influence the spontaneous probability of conception. The oxidative stress, the hormonal level and the inflammatory state resulting from some of these pathologies could explain the destruction of the periodontal tissues and vice versa the periodontal inflammation could be at the basis of their development.
Can a lack of oral health put pregnancy at risk?
In some cases it is the pregnancy itself, with the hormonal changes that take place, that compromises the health of the woman’s teeth and gums, favoring the appearance of inflammation (gingivitis). Often, however, it is the lack of health of the woman’s oral cavity before or during pregnancy that can favor the onset of complications .
The inflammatory process triggered by gingivitis or periodontal disease – continues Professor Di Simone – seems to be associated with an increased obstetric risk, in terms of premature delivery and low birth weight . After conception, however, the inflammatory molecules produced by gingivitis can reach the placenta through the bloodstream and increase the risks to the health of the fetus. If the gingival inflammation is not treated, it can lead to periodontitis , or the disease of the tissues that fix the tooth to its seat, and lead the tooth to fall out».
What are the causes of periodontitis?
« Inadequate oral hygiene is only one of the causes that can lead to gingival inflammation – continues Professor Weinstein. Genetic predisposition , cigarette smoke , diabetes , dental plaque with particularly aggressive bacteria, lack of checks and treatments for caries or gingivitis already present, are known risk factors for the woman who wants to plan or is pregnant».
What are the checks to be done during pregnancy?
« Before conception or at the beginning of pregnancy, gynecological and dental examinations are important to ensure the health of mother and child . Humanitas San Pio X has created an integrated program between dentist and gynecologist with a complete screening program for pregnant women. This program aims to identify any problems associated with dental health early, to intervene with therapies compatible with pregnancy , especially in the second trimester which is the most suitable for dental treatment since the fetus is already developed, or to promote preventive behaviors for mom – emphasize the experts.
Even for dads, however, prevention is important . Gingival inflammatory processes, in fact, help to reduce normal vascular activity and can therefore affect erectile function . Added to this is the fact that tooth decay bacteria can be transmitted between adults and between parents and child also through kissing: therefore, treating tooth decay is important for both mothers and fathers, even after the birth of the child.
Can you brush your teeth while pregnant?
« Dental hygiene for the removal of plaque and tartar , responsible for oral inflammation, is recommended in pregnancy and can be carried out in complete safety – concludes Professor Weinstein. In fact, dental hygiene appliances use sonic and ultrasonic waves which are not dangerous for either the mother or the fetus. In case of gingival inflammation or periodontitis (if you feel the tooth move), it is important to contact a dentist to receive adequate treatment ».
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.