Pregnancy and Oral Health
How does pregnancy affect my oral health? It's a myth that calcium is lost from the mother's teeth and "one tooth is lost with every pregnancy." But you may experience some changes in your oral health during pregnancy. The primary change is it surge in hormones - particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone -which is linked to an increase in the amount of plaque on your teeth.

How does a build-up of plaque affect me? If the plaque isn't removed, it can cause gingivitis-red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. So-called "pregnancy gingivitis" affects most pregnant women to some degree, and generally begins to surface in the second trimester. If you already have gingivitis, the condition is likely to worsen during pregnancy. If untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, a more serious form of gum disease.

Pregnant women are also at risk for developing pregnancy tumors, inflammatory, benign growths that develop when swollen gums become irritated. Normally, the tumors are left alone and will usually shrink on their own, but if a tumor is very uncomfortable and interferes with chewing, brushing or other oral hygiene procedures, the dentist may decide to remove it.

How can I prevent these problems? You can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean, especially near the gumline. You should brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and after each meal when possible. You should also floss thoroughly each day. If tooth brushing causes morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water or with anti-plaque and fluoride mouthwashes. Good nutrition-Particularly plenty of vitamin C and B12-help keep the oral cavity healthy and strong. More frequent cleanings from the dentist will help control plaque and prevent gingivitis. Controlling plaque also will reduce gum irritation and decrease the likelihood of pregnancy tumors.

The hygienist will assess the state of their gum health, perhaps with the Halometer to legitimize the problem. It is usually found that the person has unhealthy gums, and teeth cleanings and home care instructions are given. This is borne out by American Dental Association statistics indicate that 85 - 90 percent of all adults will have some form of gum disease during their lifetime.

Our Dental Wellness Center has been a breath center for over 25 years. Dr. McBride's study of oral microbiology led to the use of laboratory microscopes in our office. It is well-known that bacteria enter the blood stream through "leaky gums" and are contributing factors in coronary disease, diabetes and low birth weight babies.

In our office, the source of the problem is identified for each patient by assessing the types and numbers of oral bacteria. Our hygienist has a scholastic background in microbiology and the use of the microscope. Appropriate regimens are prescribed for each patient based upon individual microscopic and periodontal assessments. Gum infection is eliminated or controlled, healthy gums are developed with an added benefit - the person now has sweet breath and knows how to keep it that way.

How We Deal With all patients with Bleeding Gums
It is well known that diabetes is associated with inflammation in the body.  To put gum inflammation into perspective, the combined surface area of bleeding gums of a person scoring high in the number of bleeding areas would be equivalent to the area of the palm of their hand.    

For some time now, we have seen amazing results with our non-surgical approach to stopping gum infection and inflammation.  Each patient has individualized needs, and these are determined through:

1. A complete medical and dental history
2. Thorough oral examination, including x-rays of teeth and surrounding bone
3. Measurements of the spaces between the teeth and gums (periodontal pocket depth measuring)
4. Phase microscope plaque assessment
5. Blood marker testing including:
6. Fasting Blood Glucose
   • Hb1Ac
   • Lipid profile
   • C Reactive Protein
7. Neutraceutical Supplementation
8. Laser pocket sterilization
9. Bacterial elimination rinses

What is exciting is that we routinely see reductions in the above mentioned blood test markers due to the elimination of gum inflammation and infection.   

The formation of plaque on the teeth is the first step toward periodontal disease. Plaque, the white sticky substance that collects between teeth, is often the start of periodontitis. Made of microorganisms, dead skin cells and leukocytes (infection fighting white blood cells), it can be removed by brushing and flossing regularly. If it is allowed to build up, it will harden and turn into tartar. Tartar can only be removed with a professional cleaning at the dentist's office. Both plaque and tartar make the gums vulnerable to infection.
If an infection enters the gums it is referred to as gingivitis, the first stage of periodontitis. Bacteria that collect and breed at the gum line and the groove between the gum and the tooth cause the gums to redden, swell and bleed. This response is normal but can also lead to periodontitis. Gums affected by gingivitis often bleed and are sensitive, but not always. Other signs include swollen gums, loose teeth, a bad taste in the mouth and persistent bad breath.

Reduced Salivary Flow
Patients with diabetes may also experience dry mouth as a result of reduced saliva. Neuropathy and certain medications may be the cause of reduced salivary flow. Finney says that saliva is important to wash residue off teeth and gums and prevent tooth and gum disease. Ask your dentist about products that moisten the mouth or increase saliva.
Drinking lots of fluids may help alleviate the problem and there are products available that can help keep the mouth moist.

It's All Connected
The development of periodontal disease may reflect the presence of other problems related to blood glucose control such as retinopathy.

"Retinopathy and dental problems are closely related. If you look at a population that is having eye problems, that same population is likely to have dental problems. If a person is diagnosed with retinopathy, they should make sure that their mouth is being examined and the gums are healthy. Conversely, if there is serious gum disease there may be other diabetic complications taking place in the body," says Finney.

Problems that begin elsewhere in the body should also provide clues for health care professionals. The presence of microalbuminuria and neuropathy are signals to check the mouth for potential complications.

Blood glucose control and good oral hygiene seems to be the key to avoiding most dental complications. Everyone is at risk of developing periodontal disease, but all people with diabetes, regardless of age or type of diabetes, are more susceptible. There are several reasons for this.
For one, people with diabetes have more sugar in the mouth which provides a more hospitable environment for hostile bacteria. This makes all forms of periodontal disease, as well as tooth decay more likely.

High and fluctuating blood glucoses are also a big factor in the increased risk of periodontal disease. Poor blood glucose control means higher degrees of periodontitis and more vulnerability to complications.

It also makes healing more difficult once an infection sets in. Just like diabetics with poor blood glucose control have a hard time healing wounds and infections on their feet, their bodies have a hard time fighting infections and healing wounds in the mouth.

At the same time, on-going infections may make blood glucose control more difficult. Inflammation and infection affect blood glucose control no matter where they occur. But the mouth is often overlooked as most doctors do not look in the mouth.  Once an infection takes root a vicious cycle ensues making metabolic and infection control a struggle.

This cycle can have drastic consequences. If oral infections get out of control they can lead to blood glucose control problems serious enough to land a person with diabetes in the hospital, to say nothing of the damage to the teeth and gums.

Gum infections can also impact insulin needs. Authors of a study cited in September's 1997's Practical Diabetology concluded that when an infection is rampant, patients with diabetes often have increased insulin requirements. If periodontal disease is treated and gingival inflammation is eliminated, these insulin needs often decrease.

Collagen, which is a building block of the tissue that attaches teeth to bones and the surrounding soft tissue, is also affected by diabetes. Diabetes' effect on collagen metabolism, according to Finney, "may make an infection potentially more destructive."