Pregnancy and Periodontal Health: Feno’s Role in Maternal Wellness

Because of hormone changes that occur during pregnancy, pregnant women are more prone to developing gingivitis, gum disease, and cavities. As a result, up to 75% of pregnant women have gingivitis. Higher-than-normal levels of progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy can also cause pregnant women’s teeth to temporarily loosen. This means that pregnancy may be one of the most important times in a woman’s life to prioritize her oral health. 

The medical community is still actively working to expose the complex link between pregnancy and oral health; in this article, we share studies and research that’s cluing doctors and mothers into the connection between gum health and prenatal health, and practical ways women can support their oral health during pregnancy. 

“Due to bad oral health in pregnancy, pregnant women can experience premature delivery, low birth weight baby, pre-eclampsia, gingival tissue ulcerations, pregnancy granuloma, gingivitis, pregnancy tumors (epulis gravidarum), loose teeth, mouth dryness, and dental erosions.” Source

Research review: What we know about the intersection of prenatal health and oral health

Studies have confirmed that periodontal pathogens — the bacteria that causes periodontitis, or gum disease — can lead to both direct and indirect pregnancy outcomes. Studies have also found correlations between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. 

Here’s a collection of periodontal-prenatal research and what each study found:

• One study of 111 pregnant women found a correlation between gingivitis, periodontosis, and tooth loss and preterm delivery.
  
• Another study found that periodontal disease put women at higher risk of premature birth, and as the disease severity increased, so did their respective risk. 
• Periodontal pathogens are known to spread to the placenta and contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
• Gum disease is related to numerous other systemic diseases (heart disease, diabetes, chronic inflammation, and more), each of which might cause its own gestational complications.

How pregnant women can better care for their oral health

Caring for your teeth is important every day, but it seems it's especially important for pregnant women. Here are some things you can do throughout pregnancy to support your oral health:

• Maintain daily oral health habits: Brush twice daily and floss once daily. 
• Attend regular dental appointments: See a dentist during your 6-month check-up and cleaning. Notify them of your pregnancy so they can partner with you on your journey. 
• Seek help if you have oral health concerns: Talk to your dentist if you encounter any abnormal symptoms like excessive oral dryness, gum inflammation or tenderness, receding or bleeding gums, abnormally bad breath, loose teeth, or toothaches. All these symptoms can be signs of gum disease or decay, and treating them early can help prevent future complications. 

The smartbrush that’s making prenatal oral care easier than ever

Feno is an oral care technology company that’s advancing oral care as the gateway to health. Feno’s flagship product, the Feno Smartbrush™, is helping people live healthier, longer lives. 

Here are three features of the Feno Smartbrush that can contribute to a healthier, low-stress pregnancy:

1. Save time with a 20-second brush cycle: Most pregnant women — especially those who already have other children — live busy lives. Feno’s full-mouth design cleans all the teeth at the same time, meaning an entire brushing cycle takes just 20 seconds. 
2. Get your questions answered with on-demand teledentistry: The Feno Smartbrush’s connected app includes a teledentistry feature. You can connect directly to a dentist to get real-time recommendations and advice on any oral care concerns you have — all without leaving your home. 
3. Lower your risk of harmful bacteria with Feno’s double biodefense design: When not in use, the Feno Smartbrush is stored in an enclosed docking station — the Feno Hub. The Hub’s design shields bristles from airborne pathogens in your bathroom’s air, and the built-in automated air flow drying system dries the mouthpiece after each use to prevent bacteria that could build up on moist bristles.

Healthier oral care starts with Feno

Caring for your oral health during pregnancy doesn’t have to be complicated or cumbersome. The Feno Smartbrush makes it easy. Gift one to an expectant mother in your life, add one to your registry, or treat yourself to the world’s most advanced full-mouth smartbrush today.