Dental health is an integral part of our overall health and is of great importance, especially during one of the most special periods in a woman's life - pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy affect the mouth and dental health, just as they affect many systems in the body.

Changes in progesterone and estrogen hormones cause sensitivity, redness, and bleeding in the mouth. It brings with it many problems, especially gum diseases. Sharing important information about the effects of gum problems during pregnancy, Dentist Zeynep Kabalcı Holtoft from Infinity Regerenerative Clinic said: "Oral and dental health is of great importance before and during pregnancy. During this period, due to hormonal changes in the body as well as a weakened immune system, gum sensitivity increases. In fact, pre-existing gum problems can surface," he said.

Gum Diseases Can Prevent Pregnancy!
Dentist Zeynep Kabalcı Holtoft, drawing attention to the fact that dental and gum problems can prevent pregnancy, said: "Comprehensive health before pregnancy is very important in women. Inflammatory gum diseases are associated with many systemic diseases and lead to chronic health problems if left untreated. Untreated gum diseases before pregnancy progress further with hormonal changes and weaken the defense mechanism against disease. Inflammatory gum diseases can delay or completely prevent pregnancy, leading to early delivery or miscarriage. A study conducted by the University of Helsinki confirmed the relationship between dental problems and the inability to become pregnant. A study of 256 healthy women aged 19-42 who were trying to become pregnant covered oral-dental and gynecological examinations. Women's pregnancy status was monitored for one year. According to the research results; women without gum disease and those who do not carry the P. Gingivalis bacterium in saliva have a 4 times higher pregnancy rate compared to women who carry this bacterium. This bacterium prevents ovulation and fetal attachment by providing endotoxins. This is why our gynecology department evaluates our patients who come with the desire to become pregnant for gum disease. In some cases, we also resort to various analyses to detect this bacterium in saliva," she said.

Drawing attention to the importance of every woman planning pregnancy to consult a dentist beforehand, Dentist Kabalcı Holtoft said: "Women preparing to become mothers can ensure the detection of existing dental problems by undergoing a comprehensive oral examination and can begin treatment if necessary. Thus, they can reduce the impact of dental problems on the period before and during pregnancy. Women planning motherhood can undergo a comprehensive oral examination before pregnancy to have existing dental problems detected. Through this examination, gum diseases, cavities, or other dental problems are identified in their early stages. If any problems are detected, the necessary treatment process can be started immediately. Thus, the negative effects of dental and gum diseases on the pregnancy period are minimized. In addition to this, regular tooth brushing and flossing are vital. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day and hygiene should be maintained with flossing. Eating habits should be regulated, sugary foods and acidic beverages should be avoided, and attention should be paid to consuming vegetables and fruits," she said.

Pregnancy, a special period when the body is most sensitive for women, is a unique process. For women to go through this period healthily, health management before and after pregnancy is necessary. A healthy pregnancy begins with maintaining dental health, and while improving general health status, dental health should also be considered. In particular, gum problems and their treatment should not be neglected, and professional support should be sought if necessary.