For hormonal reasons, women are more susceptible to gum inflammation and periodontal disease at times such as puberty, while taking hormonal contraceptives, during menopause, and during pregnancy.
L'inflammation of the gums during pregnancy, in fact, is known as gingivitis gravidarum: its prevalence varies between 36% and 100% depending on the studies and the women in question but decreases to 0.03% in women who start pregnancy with healthy gums.
Gingivitis in pregnant women is caused by altered hormone levels affecting the blood vessels of the gums, the functioning of periodontal cells, plaque bacteria, and the local immune system.
Several studies have shown the Close correlation between maternal oral health and fetal health: Whether a pregnant woman has gingivitis or periodontitis is in fact at Higher risk of having a premature birth or low birth weight baby.
For this reason una woman seeking pregnancy should have a checkup before becoming pregnant and visit the dentist at least twice during the 9-month gestation period: proper daily oral hygiene with toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss (or pipe cleaner) remains essential for a healthy mouth even during pregnancy!
[Medical Director: Dr. Mauro Savio, Member of the Dentists Register Provincial Order of Surgeons and Dentists of Milan n. 4168].
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