Arce, R., Krishna, R. (2014). Adverse pregnancy outcomes and periodontal disease.

Dimensions

of Dental Hygiene, 12(10):59–64.

A common risk factor during pregnancy is a maternal infection and the mouth has the

potential to be a major site. Periodontal pathogens may influence adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Physiological changes happen throughout a female’s life during puberty, pregnancy, and

menopause. During those times, hormones are changing, making an individual more likely to

develop oral complications. Some periodontal health complications include benign oral lesions,

pregnancy gingivitis, tooth erosion, loose teeth, and periodontitis. Research concluded that

pregnant women with periodontal disease are at a higher chance to deliver a low-weight or

preterm baby. It is not clear of the exact cause of preterm, low-weight babies, but infection plays

a role. Other factors that play a role include previous miscarriage, older age, NSAID use,

smoking, alcohol consumption, and excessive caffeine intake. Main periodontal pathogens have

been found in the placentas and amniotic fluid of adverse pregnancy outcomes. There is systemic

circulation between the mother and baby throughout pregnancy. If bacteria and toxins are

circulating the body, an increase of inflammatory cytokines are released, which can cause

premature rupture and contractions. Research concluded that women didn’t respond as well to

periodontal therapy during the second trimester compared to a woman who was not pregnant.

This means that the prevention of periodontal disease is key before conception to reduce

mortality and morbidity. Dental professionals play a big role when it comes to proper oral health

education, early detection, prevention, and treatment of oral health problems.

This article was very eye-opening and shows me how oral hygiene and hormones during

pregnancy play a role in oral disease. It also shows me that early prevention and intervention are
key to preventing infection or an adverse pregnancy outcome. In this article, I learned that oral

infection, like periodontal disease, may play a role in adverse pregnancy outcomes. I also learned

that periodontal pathogens have been found in the placenta and amniotic fluid. As a future dental

hygienist, I will educate women, pregnant or not, about oral health and the impact it may have on

a baby. I will also give my patients an oral hygiene regimen and modify treatment based on their

needs. In this article, it talked about benign oral gingival lesions may be seen in the oral cavity of

a woman who is pregnant. Another name is for that lesion is a pyogenic granuloma, and we

covered it in oral pathology. No information from this article was lacking, inconclusive,

contradictory, or vague.