DELTA DENTAL CLAIMS DENTAL HEALTH CRITICAL DURING PREGNANCY

PARSIPPANY, NJ (January 25, 2001) – Dental health during pregnancy is important for the overall well being and safety of both mother and baby, according to Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey, Inc. It was once believed that women should postpone dental treatment in the first and last trimester, but evidence now shows that regular dental exams are not only safe, they are imperative.

"Pregnancy is a time when women often monitor their health and pay close attention to the changes in their bodies," says D. Scott Navarro, D.D.S., Dental Director, Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey. "Rising hormone levels can cause painless, but harmful changes in women’s gums that may go undetected. Left untreated these changes can lead to early forms of gum disease." Dr. Navarro claims that the best measure of prevention is to brush, floss and see your dentist to eliminate plaque.

Many may wonder how the mother’s dental health can affect her baby. Studies have shown that an infection in the mouth can trigger a series of events resulting in a premature birth, which can pose serious problems for the baby. As a matter of fact, it is estimated women with gum disease are seven times more likely to have babies that are born too early and too small. It is critical to understand the correlation between dental health and overall health, and to recognize and react to warning signs originating in the mouth.

Gingivitis

Studies show that at least 30% of pregnant women will experience tender, puffy and sometimes bleeding gums and an increased sensitivity to plaque. These symptoms normally appear in the second month of pregnancy and escalate through the eighth month. Because there is usually no discomfort associated with these symptoms, women may dismiss them. However, these infections can lead to gingivitis, an early form of gum disease.

Pregnancy Granuloma

Some women may experience gum swelling that is so severe it may actually appear as though they have developed a small tumor. This condition, known as Pregnancy Granuloma, is not painful or cancerous and will normally disappear after pregnancy. If it persists after the child has been born, it should be removed.

Tooth Loss / Tooth Mobility

There is no truth to the old wives tale that a woman loses a tooth with each baby. The calcium in the teeth is in a stable state and is not impacted by the rest of the body. Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss, so maybe that is how the rumor originated.

Some women may notice that their teeth seem loose during pregnancy, even in the absence of inflammation or other symptoms. Tooth mobility in the absence of gum disease is usually temporary and will normally end after the baby is born.

Dental Health and Premature Labor

The body will respond to an infection in the mouth by producing substances called biomediators. In a healthy pregnancy, some of these biomediators are labor-triggering substances that appear late in the third trimester. When a pregnant woman develops periodontal disease, the substances are present in the amniotic fluid much sooner than they should be, which can cause premature labor.

Overall Health

Studies continue to show that untreated infections in the mouth can lead to more serious problems for a pregnant woman and her baby. When a woman first learns that she is pregnant, one of the first calls she makes should be to her dentist. The dentist will be able to tell her whether she should keep her annual appointment or come in sooner.

Dr. Navarro says that the best way to eliminate the risk of infection is to eliminate plaque. Eat a well balanced diet and be conscious of good habits, regular checkups and overall health prior to becoming pregnant, says Dr. Navarro. Good oral care can have lifetime benefits for the mother-to-be and her child.

Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey, Inc., is New Jersey's leading and largest dental benefits carrier, providing coverage to more than one million people through contracts with employers in New Jersey and Connecticut. The Delta Dental Plan system is a national network of independently operated, not-for-profit dental service corporations specializing in providing dental benefits programs for employee groups throughout the country.