During pregnancy many women suffer from swollen or inflamed gums. This is particularly prevalent in the early stages of pregnancy and is the result of an invisible film that grows on the teeth causing a plaque buildup which causes swelling and irritates the gums. Bad breath and halitosis are a direct result of plaque build up and gingivitis.

Women in the early stages of pregnancy experience dramatic hormonal changes which cause exaggerated responses to plaque. Pregnant women who suffer from gum disease are 6 times more likely to have low weight or to give birth prematurely, so it is extremely important for pregnant women to follow a rigorous oral hygiene routine, take care to reduce or eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath and halitosis by Oxygenating their mouth and throat daily.

Prostoglandins is a fatty acid that would normally control inflammation and muscle contraction, which is why prostoglandins levels increase during pregnancy and ultimately peak in the ninth month. When the bacteria that cause gingivitis enter the blood stream, bearing inmind that once in the blood stream can travel all the way to the Uteris, it causes the production of increased amounts of prostoglandins, effectively tricking the body into thinking it needs to go into labour. The result is premature labour or underweight babies.

Pregnant women or women who are trying to get pregnant should take extra care with their oral hygiene routine and minimize the presence of bacteria that cause gingivitis or bad breath.

In extreme cases of gingivitis, pregnant women are prone to what are termed pregnancy tumors, which are an exaggerated inflammation that result in benign growths that must be treated. When pregnant it is very important to beware of taking medications which could effect your baby and by following a very good oral hygiene program to minimize the effects of the hormonal imbalances.