A study published in Oral Health & Preventative Dentistry suggests that treating gingivitis in pregnant patients reduces the chances of pre-term births and increases birth weights. Though pregnant patients have many medical worries on their plate, this research points out that their oral health should not fall by the wayside.
Gingivitis refers to the early stage of gum disease, an infection of the gum tissue. Though this issue might be common, many people do not know this disease can have a significant impact on the rest of your body. Inflamed gums from gingivitis can link with the body’s inflammatory response, which may affect other health conditions, including pregnancy.
Recognizing gum disease and its accompanying risks can encourage you to make greater strides to prevent it. Read on to learn more about gingivitis, its treatment, and its prevention tactics.
Do I Have Gingivitis?
The initial phase of gum disease, gingivitis, often presents with swelling, redness, and bleeding within the gum tissue. Though gums might bleed for acute reasons like harsh teeth brushing, if the symptoms persist or occur without a known cause, you could have an oral infection.
But gum disease does not always have such noticeable symptoms. Visit your dentist on a regular basis for a periodontal disease screening. If they spot any issues with your gums, the dentist can intervene and provide swift treatment.
How Will My Dentist Treat Gum Disease?
If your dentist diagnoses you with gum disease, they can begin treatment right away. They will scrape away excess plaque and bacteria build-up with a cleaning process known as scaling and root planing. They will clean deep in the gum pockets to ensure the infection is completely removed.
With gingivitis, this periodontal therapy will usually be enough to get rid of the infection. But more stubborn gum disease might need more extensive treatment. They may also give you an antibacterial rinse to maintain the balance of your oral bacteria, keeping further infections at bay.
Gum disease is easier to treat when caught in its early stage, so do not delay urgent care from your dentist if you think you have issues with your gum tissue. It will not go away on its own, so seek this dental treatment promptly.
How Can I Protect My Gum Health?
Dentists agree that when it comes to gum health, you should seek preventative measures. Some patients have high risk factors for gum disease, including pregnant individuals. So they should talk to their dentist to develop preventative dental care plans that suit their unique needs. Your dentist will employ an individualized approach to ensure you get the care that you require.
Generally, good oral hygiene will majorly help to reduce your chances of contracting gum disease. So brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist for routine teeth cleanings. Your dentist may also suggest using an antibacterial mouthwash to further decrease your risk for oral infections.