User:E razo0821/Prenatal dental care

Endocrine effects on oral Health during pregnancy[edit]
Endocrine changes during pregnancy have an effect on women's oral health during pregnancy. An increase in estrogen and progesterone levels makes pregnant women are more likely to undergo physical changes in oral cavity.

Pregnancy gingivitis is an inflammation of gum tissue due to an increase of blood flow to gums. It is often characterized with soreness, sensitivity and bleeding of gums. Pregnant women are often required more often cleanings and prescription mouth rinses. If gingivitis is not treated pregnant individuals can develop periodontitis. Periodontitis or periodontal disease is a progressed infection of gum tissue and supporting structures. Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that can cause loosening of teeth, bad breath and irreversible bone loss. Periodontal disease has been associated to premature births and low birth weights.

Increase levels of progesterone and oral bacteria might cause some women to experience pyogenic granuloma or commonly known pregnancy tumors. These are lumps of overgrown gum very close to the gum line or in between teeth. Tumors are non cancerous and disappear after pregnancy.

Hormonal changes increase blood flow to gum tissue often resulting in gingival hyperplasia and gum bleeding while brushing and flossing.

Although teeth erosion and an increase of oral caries is not hormonal related, it is often experienced during pregnancy due to in increase intake of food and negative side effects vomiting due to morning sickness.

Good oral hygiene and seeking dental care during pregnancy is extremely important because an increase level of estrogen and progesterone can cause a variety of physiological changes in oral cavity.