This information comes from the Dimensions of Dental Hygiene “Pregnancy and Oral Health”2011
Pregnancy is a state of increased inflammation and bacteria like tannerella and prevotella intermedia are increased because they feed off of progesterone and estrogen,
Why is there an exaggerated inflammatory response during pregnancy? The inflammatory response is higher during pregnancy because of the increased hormonal and vascular changes. There is already more blood flow so it makes it easier for inflammation to happen(Darby and Walsh,2010) Journal of Periodontolgy states that pregnancy is “a stressful state with increased inflammatory activity, gingival inflammation, and insulin resistance” (2009).
Bacteria may enter the blood stream in periodontal disease because the gingiva is ulcerated…meaning it has holes in it allowing bacteria to enter the blood stream (Darby and Walsh, 2010) ch. 18
The bacteria may even cross the placenta and affect the fetus. This is the relationship of certain adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre-term birth, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. We will look specifically at how these factors play in each high risk pregnancy situations
Progesterone inhibits collagenase(which breaks down collagen), when this is inhibited we often see the tumor-like growth of the pregnancy granuloma. High prevalence of bacterial organisms – initiate inflammation or pregnancy gingivitis. Associated with poor oral hygiene and high plasma hormone levels.
P. Intermedia is bacteria found in pyogenic granuloma
Dental caries are sometimes higher in pregnant women because of erosion from vomiting. If the patient is experiencing morning sickness advise them to rinse with 1tsp baking soda and 1 cup water to help neutralize acids. Also, ask the dentist if they would recommend a prescription fluoride toothpaste to minimize enamel erosion and tooth decay.
Pre-term low birth weight babies can have multiple health issues such as asthma, low IQ, cerebral palsy, poor motor skills and others. The Risk factors for having a PTLB baby include low SES, smoking, drug use, diabetes, multiple pregnancies, and age
nulliparity Condition of having borne no children.
primiparity
the condition of having borne one child.
The suggested associated is that cytokines(inflammatory mediators) are induced by periodontal bacteria and may initiate preeclampsia. However, this is not shown to be a causal relationship as studies have struggled to put a clear definition on periodontal disease and control for the other risk factors of preeclampsia.
Fetus gets most iron from mother – 3rd trimester
Recommended to chew 4 pieces of xylitol gum from 6 months prenatal to 6 months postnatal to delay the colonization of s. mutans in child.
Poor oral health is not normal during pregnancy. Poor oral health is usually caused by lack of brushing, increased cravings and sweet consumption and erosion of the teeth from vomiting during morning sickness.
There is no evidence that shows breakdown of maternal calcium in teeth. Loss of teeth during a pregnancy is most likely due to pre-existing conditions and poor oral hygiene during pregnancy.
Dental treatment is safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for mothers to seek dental care during pregnancy. Treatment is usually done during the second trimester of pregnancy because of the high risk of exposure to environmental conditions to the fetus during the first trimester.
Bleeding gums are always a sign of infection. Increased hormone and blood circulation make it more likely that inflammation will be present, however, it can be reversed with brushing and flossing.
Relate importance of good oral hygiene to a healthy pregnancy
Educate patient on relationship between bacteria and inflammation and adverse pregnancy outcomes
Nutritional counseling
Build rapport with patient