May 2024

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey of nurturing a baby in your womb. But no one can promise a smooth journey. You may be up for a roller coaster ride due to several issues like morning sickness, bloating, mood swings, and food cravings. One of the most neglected issues during pregnancy is oral health. About 3/4th of women may suffer from some form of gum disease during pregnancy. 

Fortunately, the dentist in Woodbridge, VA, and their team are well-equipped and experienced in handling oral issues in pregnant women to help them sail through this beautiful journey. 

An introduction to gum disease 

Gum or periodontal disease is a progressive destruction of the soft tissues supporting the teeth, namely the gums or gingiva. It involves the inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), which may gradually progress to a more severe form involving the underlying jawbone (periodontitis) if left untreated. 

Are you at a greater risk of gum disease during pregnancy?

Yes, gum disease is a more prevalent dental problem during pregnancy. You may experience swollen, red, inflamed, or bleeding gums, especially during your first and second trimester. This condition is referred to as pregnancy gingivitis. Pregnancy itself does not cause poor oral health, but changes in lifestyle and eating habits due to cravings may make you more likely to suffer from pregnancy gingivitis. 

Possible causes of gum disease during pregnancy

Common causes of gum disease during pregnancy include:

Hormonal changes: Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone can result in gum inflammation and bleeding. 

Pyogenic granuloma or pregnancy tumor is a common gingival growth that can easily bleed. 

Increased morning sickness: Vomiting during pregnancy can cover your teeth with strong stomach acids. Repeated acid reflux can erode your tooth enamel and gums. 

Poor diet: Increased sugar cravings can increase plaque accumulation and bacterial infiltration resulting in excess acid formation. This may increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. 

The symptoms of gum disease during pregnancy

Some of the common symptoms of gum disease during pregnancy include:

• Inflamed and swollen gums  
• Red and sore gums
• Increased gum bleeding while brushing 
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Gum recession (receding gums exposing the tooth roots)
• Diastema (gaps between teeth)
• Pregnancy tumor 

Preventing gum disease during pregnancy

Here are a few tips to follow that can prevent gum disease during pregnancy:

• Consume a healthy and well-balanced diet with all the essential nutrients 
• Limit your sugar intake 
• Brush twice daily 
• Floss at least once a day 
• Take your vitamin supplements regularly 
• Visit your dentist for cleanings, preferably during the second trimester 

Gum changes during pregnancy may seem common but it requires timely intervention. Seek dental care before gum disease worsens, to safeguard the health of your baby. 

Oral piercing can be a fun form of expressing your uniqueness. Many people who bear the courage to face pain choose to get oral piercings as a fashion and fun element. However, if you are thinking of getting an oral piercing, it is essential to know about the risk factors involved. Piercings can increase the risk of infection and significantly impact your teeth and gums in the long run. 

Other health risk factors associated with piercing include pain, swelling, bleeding, skin infections, and bloodborne diseases like HIV. Before you get your first piercing, ask dental practice in Hailey dental care in Hailey Hailey dental studio about the risk factors involved and tips for taking care. 

How can oral piercings affect your tooth?

Your mouth is filled with millions of bacteria and microbes. Infection is one of the most common side effects of piercing. Oral infections can lead to swelling and redness of gums and can even make breathing difficult. People with heart problems, older people, and people with diabetes have an additional risk of developing an infection. 

Improper usage of piercing equipment can cause wounds, which can contribute to oral infection. Constantly playing with it on your tongue or teeth can cause your teeth to chip or crack accidentally. Since piercings are made of metal, constantly rubbing them with enamel can weaken the enamel and cause it to break. 

Additionally, if the piercing is too close to your gums, it will constantly rub into them and cause gum recession.  Oral piercing may also cause difficulty in speaking, chewing, or swallowing. It can become loose and fall into the airway when you are asleep, causing choking hazards. 

What is oral piercing?

A tongue piercing is placed directly through the tongue. Oral piercings have been used since ancient times as a type of body modification. Oral piercing is one of the most common types of body piercing and is widely popular. This is classified as intraoral piercing, which means both ends of the piercing are resided inside the mouth. 

Oral or tongue piercings come in a lot of different varieties. Stud piercing is a popular choice among people where both ends of the metallic rod have spherical ends. 

Other risks and oral health issues associated with oral piercings.

Before getting a piercing it is very important to understand certain risks associated with them. These are:

• Pain and swelling in the first few days after the procedure
• Allergic reactions
• Skin fungal infections are the reason for redness and pain
• Miscellaneous skin issues like having scars
• Bloodborne diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C

If you recently got an oral piercing and have been experiencing oral problems, visit your dentist immediately!