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Posts Tagged ‘periodontitis treatment’

Considering the possible hazards of periodontitis on pregnancy, seeking immediate periodontitis treatment may reduce the risks of preterm births or low birth weight as well as other pregnacy related complications.  According to studies, the bacteria found in the gum infection can enter the blood stream and reach the placental membrane, thus causing inflammation and inducing labor.  The antibodies which are triggered can also cause low birth weight and premature birth.  That is why it is important to seek treatment right away, at the first sign of gum infection.  Usually, the first stages of periodontal diseases are characterized by red, swollen and inflamed gums which occassionally bleed when you brush your teeth.  It may be subtle, but it’s hard to miss.

But pregnancy may require a different and more delicate approach to periodontal disease treatment.  While in some cases, the standard operation which include planing and scaling may be administered, certain pregnancy conditions may not allow such intrusive procedures.   Antibiotics, too, must also not be used to treat gum infection as this could have adverse effects to one’s baby.  The dentist may be able to determine the severity of the gum disease as well as the right treatment, depending on the pregnant mother’s age as well as when the baby is due.  Until then, you must refrain from self medicating to avoid any complications.

Alternative healing can also help alleviate the inflammation as well as sooth any discomfort caused by the periodontal disease.  However, not all herbs may be safe for pregnant women.  It is still important to consult your doctor before administering herbs as alternatives to commercial antibiotics to alleviate infection.  Two of the herbs you need to avoid are aloe vera and clove oil.  On the other hand, rosehips and chamomiles are known to be relatively safe for pregnancy.  These herbs can alleviate pain and discomfort caused by gum inflammation as well as help fight off the bacterial infection.  But moderation is still the key when it comes to taking herbs to heal or at least control the gum infection.

In addition, maintaining a good oral health hygiene can help reverse the early signs of periodontal disease as well as prevent gum infection which could lead to periodontal diseases.  For pregnant women, it is best to floss and brush one’s teeth more frequently as the elevated hormones and increased blood volume heightens the sensitivitiy of the gums, thus making it more prone to gum infection.  Gargling with an alcohol-free mouthwash may be able to eliminate bad bacteria from the mouth.  Apart from that, cutting back on sweets could lessen the chances of periodontal diseases as bacteria loves to eat sugar and carbohydrates, thus making it secrete more acid which demineralizes teeth and infects the gum tissues.