A recent study in Oral Health & Preventative Dentistry suggests that treating gingivitis in pregnant individuals can lead to fewer preterm births and an increased birth weight. Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontal disease, an infection in the gums that people who are pregnant may be more susceptible to contracting.
Pregnant individuals have many medical concerns that they need to monitor, but they should not forget about their oral health. They should continue to see their dentists for routine cleanings and exams. Dr. Clement Monroe and Dr. Kamron Monroe, a dentist team located in Pinehurst, NC, provide further information about gingivitis and periodontal disease treatment.
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease, an infection in the gum tissue. Many patients will notice redness, swelling, tenderness, or bleeding in their gums if they have this condition.
While these symptoms may present for acute reasons, like harsh teeth brushing methods, you should contact your dental professional for a periodontal exam if these continue. Gingivitis is treatable, but the infection will not go away on its own without intervention from a dentist. If gum disease progresses, it can cause severe, irreversible dental problems, including gum recession that may lead to tooth loss.
The inflammation associated with gingivitis can trigger the body’s inflammatory response, causing more medical concerns, including pregnancy risks. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment of this disease is crucial to protect your overall wellbeing.
How Will My Dentist Treat Gum Disease?
During a routine dentist appointment, your dentist will check your gums for signs of periodontal disease. Sometimes, this condition does not have noticeable symptoms and can only be detected by a dental professional, so these exams are important to preserving your health.
If your dentist finds evidence of gingivitis, they will thoroughly clean plaque, tartar, and excess bacteria from your teeth and gums, especially deep in the gum pockets. Extensive cleaning of this kind is referred to as scaling and root planing. Stubborn or advanced cases of periodontal disease, especially if gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis, may require surgical treatment options.
Preventative measures, including good oral hygiene habits, can help you avoid gingivitis, but some patients, including pregnant people, may be at a higher risk of periodontal problems. For these patients, a dentist may recommend using an antibacterial mouthwash.
This can balance bacteria in their mouths, reducing their chances of contracting gum infections. It may also alleviate uncomfortable irritation associated with periodontal disease.
Treat Periodontal Disease in Pinehurst, NC
Drs. Monroe and Monroe Implant and General Dentistry treats periodontal disease and other dental concerns in patients in Pinehurst, NC. Our practice specializes in restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry for patients of all ages. If you are nervous about pending dental work, you can ask your dentist about sedation dentistry options. To schedule a consultation with our team, contact our staff online or reach us by phone at 910.295.4242.