Author: <span>Fight Gum Disease</span>

Gum Disease and Pregnancy: Why Your Oral Health Matters When You’re Expecting

Gum disease and pregnancy are not two subjects you might expect to go hand in hand, but if there’s anything we’ve learned in educating ourselves and others about gum disease, it’s that it can have surprising and drastic effects on the rest of your health. Because the mouth is an entry point to the rest of your body, bacteria from gum disease can actually travel from your gums and teeth to other parts of your body and begin wreaking havoc.

When it comes to gum disease and pregnancy, the health of both the mother and the baby are at risk. Because pregnant women are already likely to have gum disease due to hormonal changes, it’s especially important to stay on top of your oral health so the following side effects of gum disease don’t impact your pregnancy and child’s life in infancy and beyond.

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Gum Disease and Women’s Health: A Consideration for a Lifetime

While dental professionals consider gum disease to be an epidemic among adults in general, the struggle between gum disease and women’s health is particularly noteworthy because of the various unique ways periodontal disease can impact female health.

Hormones & gum disease

Increases in hormones due to pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives can make women more sensitive to plaque and bacteria in the mouth and accelerate the progression of gum disease. Even a standard menstrual cycle or the onset of puberty – when there are increased levels of progesterone and estrogen in the body – can cause a heightened response to bacteria that can impact your oral health if left untreated.^[1][2] Pregnant women with gum disease run the risk of passing along the burden to their children, with preterm, low weight babies and even stillbirth linked to untreated cases.^[8]

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Gum Disease No Big Deal? These Connections to Other Serious Illnesses May Change Your Mind

Gum disease is a condition that as many as 85% of American adults suffer with, signifying an undeniable epidemic of the disease. And yet, many peoples’ reaction to learning they have gum disease is underwhelming.

What most don’t realize is the connection between gum disease and countless other serious conditions. Learning about the links between gum disease and these other “scarier” diseases, as well as the overall importance of oral health, is key to ensuring people change their lifestyle habits to improve their gums and general health.

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It’s Time for Spring Cleaning—And Don’t Forget Your Teeth!

Spring is just around the corner, and with it, spring cleaning. From decluttering a countertop to taking a hard look at organization, it’s time to celebrate the end of winter.

However, another important cleaning this spring is also likely due: your dental hygiene appointment. And it’s a crucial one not to miss, especially if you want to prevent gum disease.

You have probably heard all your life that you should get your teeth cleaned every six months. You have heard it because it’s true. Getting the tartar and plaque buildup removed from your teeth is essential to your oral health. Failure to take care of your hygiene appointment can lead to more serious conditions with your gums, conditions that can affect your overall health.

Before you scoff at the notion, consider this: Nearly half of the adults over age 30 in the U.S. have gum disease (47%) according to the CDC. Not only that, but gum disease also affects over 70% of adults over the age of 65.

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Gum Disease: The Silent Killer You Might Already Have

Tens of millions of Americans have it. Odds are you do, too. We’re talking about Gum Disease and we want to educate people on the serious and widespread nature of this condition in honor of the 5th Anniversary of Gum Disease Awareness Month.

Gum disease is more common than most people know. It outnumbers the cases of cancer, heart disease and even arthritis.  However, the clear majority of people are neither aware of its prevalence nor the consequences it can have on your overall health if left untreated.

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