A recent study in Oral Health & Preventative Dentistry suggests that treating pregnant individuals for gingivitis reduced the risk of preterm births and increased birth weights. Gingivitis is an infection in the gum tissue, and this infection can trigger the body’s inflammatory response, which can impact pregnancy.
Pregnant patients have many medical concerns on their plate, but they should pay attention to their oral health too by scheduling routine dental exams. Dr. Brenda Paulen, a dentist practicing in Sandy Springs, GA, provides further details about gingivitis and how to treat this periodontal condition.
How Can I Tell If I Have Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. Patients with gum disease may notice swelling, soreness, or bleeding in their gums.
Though gum irritation with gingivitis is often visible, some patients with gum disease may not experience these noticeable symptoms. This is why attending regular dentist appointments for a periodontal exam is crucial to maintaining good oral health.
Your dentist can evaluate your gums for signs of infection and provide prompt treatment if needed. Though gum irritation may occur for acute reasons, like harsh brushing techniques, you should reach out to your dental professional if these symptoms persist.
How Will My Dentist Treat Gum Disease?
If your dentist diagnoses you with gum disease or gingivitis, they will first want to thoroughly clean your teeth. This will involve removing excess plaque and bacteria from deep under the gums. This extensive cleaning method is called scaling and root planing.
Dentists emphasize preventative care when it comes to periodontal health, but some patients, including pregnant individuals, may be more susceptible to gum disease. For this reason, they will likely recommend rinsing your mouth regularly with an antibacterial mouthwash. This will balance bacteria in your mouth, helping to alleviate uncomfortable periodontal symptoms and reduce the chances of infection.
Gum disease will not go away on its own, so it is important to visit your dentist if you have concerns about your periodontal health. If left untreated, gum disease can worsen and cause severe, irreversible dental damage, including tooth loss.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly in Sandy Springs, GA
Proud Smiles offers periodontal therapy and other restorative dental treatments to patients in Sandy Springs, GA. Dr. Paulen also specializes in implant, cosmetic, and general dentistry, including preventative dental care. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact our staff online or reach us by phone at 404.418.7734.