Mothers-to-be: Check your teeth Updated: 3/18/2008 5:05:28 PM Print Article Email Article           Studies have shown that taking care of teeth and gums becomes especially important for expectant mothers, as pregnant women with gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, are approximately seven times more likely to deliver a premature, low birth-weight baby. The reason why pregnancy can cause problems in a woman's teeth and gums is that the increase in hormones and increased blood flow can cause teeth and gums that are slightly unclean or inflamed to become even more sensitive or even to bleed. And with so many people having some form of gingivitis or even periodontal disease, the advanced stage of inflammation in the gums, women who are pregnant or who may want to become pregnant in the future should schedule regular visits to the dentist and take proper care of their teeth each day to ensure a healthy pregnancy. According to the book What to Expect When You're Expecting, simple precautions such as taking Vitamin C and daily calcium supplements to ensure healthy teeth and gums can help prepare teeth for the future. Special precautions may need to be taken for some mothers-to-be however, as potential dental infections in the mouth could require medication and could have complications during birth if not managed properly. © 2008 Brafton Inc. Enter your ZIP code to compare the savings offered by the discount dental plans in your area. Take the first step toward a healthier smile and start saving today! > Find my dentist > Find a ZIP code             Additional Articles Best man teeth? Try Madison, Wisconsin f... California proposes massive cuts in dent... Poor economy increasing dental emergenci... Dentists donate 2 days of dental care fo... Dental care for woman who superglued her... Dental care for woman superglued her tee... Dentist: Yearly visit minimum for dental... Dentist: Teeth fall out with lack of den... Sugarless gum can help with dental healt... Straightened teeth can enhance dental he... Nonprofit offers free dental care to at-... Director: Fluoride could improve dental ... Tongue piercing may negatively impact de... Director: North Carolina has dental care... AGD: Tap water better for dental health Dentist clears up dental care myths on m... Study: Dental health important for HIV i... New surgical laser provides hi-tech dent... BBC: Number of children needing dental c... Completeness, not order, counts in prope...

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