{"id":156,"date":"2018-11-13T13:57:00","date_gmt":"2018-11-13T13:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcknightdental.com\/blog\/?p=156"},"modified":"2018-12-10T14:02:16","modified_gmt":"2018-12-10T14:02:16","slug":"can-your-gums-affect-your-unborn-baby-a-dentist-in-mesquite-says-yes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcknightdental.com\/blog\/2018\/11\/can-your-gums-affect-your-unborn-baby-a-dentist-in-mesquite-says-yes\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Your Gums Affect Your Unborn Baby? A Dentist in Mesquite Says Yes!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Pregnant<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re pregnant, the last thing you\u2019re likely to think about is your gums (and understandably so!) Unfortunately, women are more likely to develop gum problems during pregnancy, which can adversely affect the health of their baby. In fact, researchers have found a surprising connection between inflammation of a mother\u2019s gums and her unborn child\u2019s development. To complicate matters further, many pregnant women find it difficult to maintain their oral hygiene because they\u2019re not only tired, but also busy preparing for the birth of their child. Fortunately, with professional care from a dentist inMesquite and a few good tips, you can still keep your gums in great shape and reduce the risks to your baby. Learn more below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Is Gum Health Related To Pregnancy? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to Dr. Misee Harris, up to 70%of expectant mothers develop gingivitis<\/a>, or inflamed gums, during pregnancy. This inflammation of the gum tissues can have multiple consequences, including premature birth and having a low-weight baby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But why are pregnant women more susceptible to gingivitis?\nThe primary reason is shifting hormone levels, which cause the gums to bleed\neasily or become puffy and tender. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that there are easy steps you can take to\nreduce gum inflammation and reduce the risk of pregnancy complications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Keep Your Gums Healthy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to a survey done by the Australian Dental\nAssociation, most women avoid dental care during pregnancy. But getting regular\ncheckups and\ncleanings<\/a> is crucial for having healthy gums! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, the benefits of professional cleanings during\npregnancy are so well-known that some insurance companies will cover more than\n2 per year, so be sure to check your benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These visits are important because, in addition to removing the\nplaque and tartar that contributes to gum problems, a dentist will also assess your\ngums and give you specific tips tailored just for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to professional care, here are some other things\nyou can do at home for healthy gums: <\/p>\n\n\n\n