I currently do not have dental insurance. I was entitled to a free check-up because I am pregnant.

No cavities but I have gum disease that the dentist said could have been brought on by the pregnancy. He said I cannot take medication for it, but could get a deep cleaning.

What are the odds of having pre-term labor because of the gum disease?

I've never heard of this one. I'll ask Flossie, our dentistry expert to chime in here.

Thanks j_9.

By biggest concern is that I don't know if I can afford the deep cleaning.

So if I don't get it done, will that be a problem.

They say bleeding is normal while brushing your teeth. And I only do bleed when I brush my teeth. Not when eating, etc.

Sometimes I bleed sometimes I don't :)

Gum bleeding, I do know, is common during pregnancy. It's due to the rise in certain hormones.

Exactly. I read all the books. I think my bleeding is both the harmones and the gum disease.

I will wait for flossie to come around...

Should I have put this under denistry?

Thanks.

i will wait for flossie to come around...

should i have put this under denistry??

thanks.

Nah, I PMd her with the link and asked her to take a look. ;)

Don't know the percentages, but good dental health is important in pregnancy, especially since the changes in pregnancy can sometimes cause problems to arise. Infection in any location, even gum disease, can increase the possibility of preterm labor.

Maybe explain the situation to your dentist... they may accept payments or can at least suggest things you can do at home to prevent further problems and possibly improve the situation.

This is a direct quote for the American Academy of Periodontology...


Studies have shown a relationship between periodontal disease and preterm, low birthweight babies. In fact, pregnant women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that's born too early and too small. The likely culprit is a labor-inducing chemical found in oral bacteria called prostaglandin. Very high levels of prostaglandin are found in women with severe cases of periodontal disease.


You can read more at the following link.
American Academy of Periodontology Recommendations for a Healthy Pregnancy and On-Time Delivery (http://www.perio.org/consumer/pregnancy.htm)

In the meantime brush thoroughly with a soft bristled toothbrush twice a day and floss every day follow with a 30 second rinse with Crest ProHealth mouth rinse. If you are getting bleeding when brushing you can rinse with warm salt water.

I hope this helps.

Thanks, flossie.

I have listerine right now. I should definitely get the ProHealth mouth rinse?

Thanks, doula :)

Listerine is high in alcohol content, ProHealth has none and is just as effective.