Pregnancy

It’s common for pregnant women to experience some form of gum inflammation throughout their pregnancy, but active gum disease could actually be detrimental to both them and their unborn child. 
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Active gum disease in pregnant women can directly raise the risk of:
•    Preeclampsia
•    Pre-term birth
•    Low birth weight in infants
•    Stillbirth

How Oral Bacteria Spread to Developing Babies

Oral bacteria can spread from infected gum tissues directly into the bloodstream. At that point, the bacteria can then cross the placenta barriers into the amniotic fluid around the fetus. 
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Visible dental plaque along the gumlines is a red flag for gum infections. 
Somewhere between 15-25% of stillbirths are associated with a co-existing infection elsewhere in the body. Clinical studies have shown that oral bacteria associated with dental infections were also found inside of the placenta in cases where the baby was stillborn.

Gum Disease and Pre-Term Birth

Active infections in the body are responsible from 30-50% of pre-term births. If you have periodontal disease, you’re at a statistically higher risk of going into labor early and giving birth to a premature baby. Pre-term births also mean a lower birth weight for your infant. Additionally, they place your child at a higher risk of neurological delays, behavioral disorders, and cognitive impairment. 

Trying to Get Pregnant? 

Numerous studies show that active periodontal disease in one or both partners can affect how long it takes to conceive. If you’re having trouble getting pregnant, both partners may want to get screened for periodontal infections. Research shows that treating active gum infections is associated with a shorter timeframe for conception, with positive results in as quickly as three months after gum treatment. 
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Infertility linked to gum disease is not isolated to a specific gender; both partners can be affected.

Is Dental Care During Pregnancy Safe?

Absolutely! Managing active oral infections is important for mother and baby alike. Avoiding treatment for periodontal disease could put you at a higher risk for going into labor prematurely.
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However, you may want to plan routine dental visits around things like morning sickness or how you physically feel leaning back in the chair. Second trimester dental care tends to be the most comfortable. If you need any type of emergency or restorative work, discuss the details (such as local anesthetic use) with your dentist and obstetrician.