Running head: GLOBAL ISSUES PAPER: ORAL HEALTH AND PREGNANCY 1

Global Issues Paper: Oral Health and Pregnancy

Kristina N. Lebakken

DHYG 415

Fall Quarter 2018

November 18, 2018

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Oral Health and Pregnancy

Introduction

The problem I will discuss is the relationship between oral health and pregnancy. I intend

to stress the importance of proper oral hygiene especially during pregnancy. While some people

may know the affects pregnancy may have on their oral cavity, most do not know about the

affect poor oral hygiene has on pregnancy. This is a global health issue because woman across

the world are, have been, or may become pregnant. It is important to empower this population

with the knowledge that having poor oral health can affect pregnancy. I believe this is a

significant issue because there is a gap in education when it comes to this part of our health and

pregnancy. So much focus is put on other aspects of health like diet and nutrition, but there are

still other key components like proper oral hygiene that need to be stressed. While nutrition is

obviously crucial for a healthy baby and mother, poor oral hygiene may cause low birth weight,

or preterm labor. These outcomes may be imperative to a healthy baby.

Oral Health and Pregnancy

Something more commonly known about pregnancy and the oral cavity is how pregnancy

affects it. “During pregnancy, the inflammatory response to oral bacteria is exacerbated by

fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels, changes in oral flora, and a decreased immune

response. It is also observed that existing gingival problems were aggravated during pregnancy

and lead to severe forms of periodontal diseases” (Elangovan, Muthu, Periyasamy, Balu, &

Kumar, 2012). This is often termed as pregnancy gingivitis, and it affects a majority of pregnant

women. A pyogenic granuloma, or “pregnancy tumor” is also a common occurrence during

hormonal changes. Another thing pregnant women are susceptible to is weakened enamel due to

stomach acid from vomiting.

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Less commonly known is how the health of the oral cavity affects pregnancy and the

baby. There has been evidence showing a connection between periodontal disease and low-birth

weights/preterm infants. “Preterm and low-birth-weight infants are at elevated risk for death,

neurodevelopmental disabilities, cognitive impairment, and behavioral disorders. About half of

mothers delivering preterm infants have no known risk factors. Recent studies suggest that

periodontitis, an inflammatory disease caused primarily by gram-negative bacteria that destroy

tooth-supporting connective tissue and bone, is associated with an increased risk of preterm

birth, as well as low birth weight and preeclampsia” (Michalowicz et al., 2006).

Being pregnant and having periodontal disease puts you at risk for having a preterm/low

birth weight infant, but there are other risk factors that could cause these same affects. Things

that can affect oral health are genetics, education, and overall health. A study done in Uganda

says, “Apart from the effects of hormonal changes, other factors such as HIV infection, lack of

dental care, poor oral hygiene, smoking, low educational level, low employment status, increased

age and ethnicity contribute to a worsened periodontal condition during pregnancy. Lieff et al.

observed that black women were more likely than white women to have periodontal disease both

at enrollment into their study and delivery” (Wandera, Åstrøm, Okullo, & Tumwine, 2012, pg.

2).

The psychological and physiological effects of low birth weight/pre-term labor can be

delayed development both mentally and physically. Every mother wants what’s best for their

child and a healthy pregnancy.

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Conclusion

In conclusion the correlation between oral health and overall health is clear. Having a

healthy mouth can aid in a healthy pregnancy. While some symptoms can’t be helped due to the

hormonal changes going on, meticulous oral hygiene needs to be stressed during this time. With

the increased reaction to bacteria every symptom is exacerbated. It is crucial to educate

expecting mothers with this knowledge and how periodontal disease can affect pregnancy.

.
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References

Elangovan, G., Muthu, J., Periyasamy, I., Balu, P., & Kumar, R. (2017). Self-reported prenatal

oral health-care practices of preterm low birth weight-delivered women belonging to

different socioeconomic status: A postnatal survey. Journal of Indian Society of

Periodontology, 21(6) doi:http://lmcproxy.lwtech.edu:2091/10.4103/jisp.jisp_79_16

Wandera, M., Åstrøm, A.,N., Okullo, I., & Tumwine, J. K. (2012). Determinants of periodontal

health in pregnant women and association with infants' anthropometric status: A

prospective cohort study from eastern Uganda. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 12, 90.

doi:http://lmcproxy.lwtech.edu:2091/10.1186/1471-2393-12-90

Michalowicz, B. S., D.D.S., Hodges, J. S., PhD., DiAngelis, Anthony J,D.M.D., M.P.H., Lupo,

Virginia R,M.D., M.P.H., Novak, M. J., Ferguson, J. E., M.D., . . . Tschida, P. A., PhD.

(2006). Treatment of periodontal disease and the risk of preterm birth. The New England

Journal of Medicine, 355(18), 1885-94. Retrieved from

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