I went to the dentist the other day and am still furious. The hygienist told me that I have gum disease and have for some time. She pointed this out in records (before she even looked at the teeth). I've always had bleeding gums (even in childhood; my dad's 66 and has the same history but his teeth seem to be fine too) and was told years ago that some people have that problem and that it means nothing. Being pregnant, they bleed a bit more, but my OB told me that wasn't unusual at all. They hygienist, however, acted rather hysterically.
Then the dentist came in and told me that it was more dangerous now to do treatment (I'm on the cusp of the third trimester) and he couldn't see why it couldn't wait until after I have the baby. Still, he told me that women with gum disease can have preterm or low-weight babies. Now I'm really scared. I've always brushed and flossed a lot and haven't had a cavity since I was a kid.
Anyone else have gum problems during pregnancy? What did your OB say?
2007-09-16 03:51:37 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
The hygienist didn't even clean my teeth -- she said 'it would do no good.' She just pointed out old records and said that I've had this problem for some time. This was news to me -- certainly I would have done whatever treatment was needed had I known before that appointment (when I was NOT pregnant).
2007-09-16 03:59:20 · update #1
Holy shiot. Thats so stupid. My gums bled like crazy when I was pregnant, and its perfectly and totally normal. It wasnt like they did it on their own, but if i brushed or flossed they would bleed.
Honestly, I never went to the dentist until I got married 4 years ago. I just went to a new dentist for the first time in 3 years and they gave me an infection, freaked the hell out over the state of my gum (My other dentist i went back to said theres NOTHING wrong with me) and insisted I needed a ton of treatment for periodontal disease and gingivitis.
Its just like any other medical profession, they make money off you being sick, and they do anything they can to assume the worse and treat you for it.
Real gum disease is linked to low birth weight and even miscarriage, but so is heart disease and a slew of other issues. You've had a perfectly normal pregnancy, and have always been just as you are, so dont even think twice a bout it.
Theyre rediculous.
2007-09-16 03:58:05 · answer #1 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I have sensitive gums that bleed sometimes even when I'm not pregnant, and the problem gets worse when I AM pregnant, so I know what you're going through. My midwife told me that not only are bleeding gums more common, but also the teeth "loosen up" a little more in pregnancy due to changes in the gums. There is even an old wives tale that a woman loses a tooth with every pregnancy. LOL
Whenever I go get a thorough cleaning by the hygenist it really cuts down on the bleeding and soreness. In fact, it almost goes away entirely for a while so I think a lot has to do with tartar/plaque buildup. It's NOT "gum disease."
Like you, I've never had a cavity and I take good care of my teeth.
So, if I were you I would get a second opinion from another dentist. Sounds like they really exagerrated!
2007-09-16 03:56:35 · answer #2 · answered by Veritas 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all, your OB knows more than a dental hygienist about you and your baby! Second of all, it is very common to have gum problems in pregnancy and it usually goes away after you have the baby. So, if you only had a small problem before, you will have a small problem after. Just like carpal tunnel... my doctor told me that it will go away after I have the baby. Crazy, huh?
2007-09-16 04:08:05 · answer #3 · answered by Holy Macaroni! 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
bleeding gums is very common in pregnancy due to the increase in blood and various other reasons which is why in the uk dental treatment is free for a year once you ahve found out your pregnant
it sounds to me like your dental nurse is a comleat b**** !! i would make a formal complaint about her and the pre term low weight blah blah is rubbish ...he's a dentist not a midwife !!
id look into taking your buisness else where if you had this problem your whole life surley they wudof corrected it when you was younger
good luck hunni x
2007-09-16 06:45:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It can but it doesn't mean it will.
What is the gum disease.
You will be fine. you OB knows better than your dentist.
Don't stress.
Really.
2007-09-16 03:58:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋