Can Oral Health cause a Miscarriage?

In February 2014, the American Dental Association sponsored a public awareness program to educate Americans on the importance of oral health. Most people do not associate oral health with overall health, but good oral health can actually have a significant impact on a person’s health, especially for pregnant women. In 2012, a six-month pregnant woman was admitted into Gia Dinh Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City where she was suffering from natal bleeding. Although the doctors managed to save both the mother and her baby, the baby died from complications a few days later. The baby suffered from a heart condition, which was brought about by a gum inflammation that the mother suffered during her pregnancy.

Here at Boones Ferry Dental, we have a top-notch dental team headed by Dr. Patrick Morrissey. Each patient that comes through our doors will get our complete care and attention, and we are devoted to bring high-quality care for all our patients.

Hormonal Changes during Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s body produces increased levels of progesterone. This hormone is essential for a healthy pregnancy, but it also increases the chance of a woman getting gum disease. It is common for pregnant women to experience redness, swelling, or tender gums as well as bleeding gums after they brush or floss.

The increase of progesterone changes the way that the mouth reacts to plaque buildup. Normally, a person resists the toxins that result from plaque buildup, but for pregnant women, these toxins can affect their gum health more easily. As a result, gum disease, receding gums, or tooth decay can occur. Bacteria can enter the body through these wounds and enter the bloodstream.

Poor Oral Health and Miscarriage

When the bacteria caused by poor oral health enter the bloodstream of a pregnant woman, it can easily move through the body into that of the unborn child. Because the baby does not have any resistance to bacteria yet, this can cause a myriad of congenital defects. This also can cause blood poisoning for the mother, or natal bleeding, which can both result in a miscarriage.

Dr. Morrissey is a leading expert in dental health, and he has treated many pregnant women as his patients. If you are expecting, or you plan to get pregnant, it is advisable to maintain good oral health. At Boones Ferry Dental, our staff are trained in the latest dental techniques, and we have cutting-edge dental equipment to help give you the best dental care.

Oral Hygiene During Pregnancy

It is surprisingly easy to maintain good oral hygiene before and during pregnancy. The most essential thing is finding the right toothbrush. Find a toothbrush with soft bristles so that you reduce the chances of bleeding gums. Daily flossing is also a must; flossing helps remove plaque from between the teeth, which is something that brushing alone can’t usually do.

You should also regularly schedule visits to your dentist during pregnancy to ensure that you are maintaining good oral health. Visit us here at Boones Ferry Dental, and meet Dr. Morrissey to avail of his expertise in dental health. Call us at (503) 713-6877 to book an appointment, or visit us at 5775 Willow Lane, Lake Oswego, OR 97035.

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