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Pregnant? Congratulations!

Learn how good oral health can protect you and your baby
Staying healthy
Oral Health and Pregnancy
Reducing your Risk
What Can You Do?
Find a Dentist

Periodontal or advanced gum disease is among the most common inflammatory conditions in adults. About 25 per cent of Canadians live with early stages of periodontal disease, and 20 per cent with the disease itself.

Research shows that poor oral health and periodontal disease can affect a pregnant mother and her baby.

Read on to learn more about how to manage your oral health during pregnancy.

Staying healthy while expecting

Mothers-to-be try to eat healthy food, get enough sleep, take vitamins and generally take care of themselves. But many people do not know that oral health is also important while expecting.

Unfortunately, some parents are faced with serious issues arising in pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia (a kind of hypertension that occurs only in pregnancy), and pre-term birth. Low or high birth weights may also be of concern.

In 2018/2019, approximately 8.2 per cent of Saskatchewan babies were born pre-term, while 6.3 per cent were underweight, or under 2500 grams (5.5 pounds) at birth. These babies are 11 times more likely to remain in hospital longer than their normal-weight counterparts.

The link between oral health and pregnancy

While pregnancy can be a wonderful time, it also comes with significant fluctuations in hormones. The downside of these hormones is that they increase the potential for gingival (gum) inflammation.

Serious gum inflammation, or periodontal disease, is associated with infection of the placenta, both via the birth canal and across the shared bloodstream between mother and baby. Some pathogens — bacteria and viruses, for example — have been associated with gestational hypertension problems, including preeclampsia, as well as low birth weight and pre-term birth.

Severe periodontal disease in early pregnancy is also associated with having a baby of small gestational age (SGA).

One major analysis of 17 studies showed periodontal disease increased the risk of premature birth and low birth weight three-fold and doubled the occurrence of preeclampsia. Another analysis suggested the risk of gestational diabetes also rises significantly, and although a second analysis did not confirm this link, it remains a concern.

Managing the risks

Research clearly shows that poor oral health can have negative outcomes in pregnancy and birth, both for the mother and the baby. However, staying on top of dental problems is possible and safe.

A review of periodontal treatment in pregnancy indicated there were not enough findings to suggest an impact on pre-term birth, and some evidence showed that treatment may reduce low birth weight. However, the review concluded that more research is required in this area. Pregnant women concerned about poor oral health, the benefits of dental care, and their effects on pregnancy-related outcomes should discuss the matter with their physicians and dentists.

What we do know is that good daily oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing are an important part of the pregnant woman’s overall health regime.

What Can You Do?

Taking care of gums and teeth during pregnancy is important to producing positive outcomes for mother and child. Be sure to brush and floss every day and visit your dentist for check-ups and cleaning. A healthy diet will also help promote a healthy mouth and a healthy pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, congratulations, and please remember to inform your dentist before treatments and receiving X-rays.

Find a Saskatchewan Dentist

All dentists are required to be licensed by meeting specific requirements and training and it is often a matter of taking the time to find the best “fit” for you. A phone call to the office or a visit to the dentist’s website may provide help with regard to language options, location, accessibility, insurance and payment options, hours of operation, recall programs, and more.

Find a dentist

Choosing a dentist can be a daunting task. The best resources when choosing a new dentist are your friends, relatives or work colleagues who may be able to make recommendations. Other health professionals, such as your doctor or pharmacist, may also be able to make recommendations. Remember, all dentists are required to be licensed by meeting specific requirements and training and it is often a matter of taking the time to find the best “fit” for you. A phone call to the office or a visit to the dentists website may provide help with regard to language options, location, accessibility, insurance and payment options, hours of operation, recall programs, etc. If your general dentist is unable to provide some of the services that you require, he or she may refer you to a general dentist colleague or a specialist.

When choosing a dentist you may wish to consider if the practice offers the services you are looking for. A general dentist’s service may include:

  • Routine checkups, fillings and teeth cleaning
  • Prosthodontics (Crowns, bridges, dentures)
  • Endodontics (‘Root canal’) treatments
  • Oral surgery (‘Extractions’, etc.)
  • Periodontal (Gum) treatment
  • Orthodontics (‘Straightening of teeth’)
  • Pediatric (‘Children’s’) dentistry services