Pregnancy and oral health

The silent connection every woman deserves to know

- Dr. Karishma Vijan

When we think of pregnancy care, oral health rarely makes it to the checklist. Yet, decades of research confirm: what happens in the mouth during pregnancy can influence not just the mother's health-but also the baby's future. From hormonal shifts to inflammation and immunity, pregnancy presents an extraordinary period where the mouth becomes a mirror of systemic wellbeing.

Hormone sensitive

Pregnancy brings surges in estrogen and progesterone-two hormones that significantly influence the gums. Many expectant mothers experience:

· Swollen, tender gums

· Increased bleeding while brushing or flossing

· A rise in plaque accumulation

· Small oral growths known as "pregnancy tumors" (benign granulomas)

This condition, known as pregnancy gingivitis, affects up to 6075% of pregnant women, typically worsening during the second trimester. If left unchecked, it can escalate to periodontitis-a severe infection that damages the bone supporting the teeth.

Oral-systemic link