Pregnancy tumor linked to poor dental health

What is a pregnancy tumor?

A pregnancy tumor is a red glistening growth that is usually in the mouth during the later part of a pregnancy. It may bleed easily, cause discomfort when chewing food, and be a sign of poor dental health.

It is not cancer. The term "tumor" refers to any swelling or enlargement of a spontaneous growth of tissue. Pregnancy tumors have many names: pyogenic granuloma, granuloma of pregnancy, lobular capillary hemangioma, and pregnancy epulides. Shakespeare was right when he wrote "A rose by any other name is still a rose." If you get the diagnosis of any of the above mentioned conditions, they really are all the same thing.

The hormones that increase in a pregnancy are: HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin hormone), HPL (human placental lactogen), estrogen, and progesterone. All of these hormones play a role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Progesterone is produced by the ovaries and the placenta. Progesterone helps the placenta function and stimulates the thickening of the uterine lining. However, it also affects the tissues in the mouth. Progesterone can increase the production of plaque. Plaque in the mouth is invisible. Plaque is actually a mass of microorganisms that grow on the teeth and at the roots of teeth. It leads to decay of both the teeth and the gums.

Women who have a history of gum disease are at greater risk for developing a pregnancy tumor. Some people blame pregnancy tumors solely on the hormones of the pregnancy. However, there is increased evidence that a combination of poor oral hygiene and increased levels of progesterone make a woman more susceptible to not only pregnancy tumors but also gingivitis and periodontitis.

If a woman does develop a pregnancy tumor, the dentist may be able to identify the cause, remove it and prevent further growth. Untreated tumors can lead to further tooth and gum decay. Women with untreated dental disease are also at greater risk of having a premature baby. Dental health is very important to both the mother and the baby.

Within five to six days after the birth of the baby, the level of progesterone drops dramatically. The hormones associated with lactation (the making of milk) are different than the hormones of pregnancy, thereby decreasing the risk of plaque formation. But it is still very important to practice good oral hygiene. That means: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once a day and rinse with an antimicrobial mouth rinse, and, of course, have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months.

Take care of your teeth because they are part of your smile. As Mother Teresa loved to say: "Love begins with a smile."

Original Article is HERE. Article By : Katie Powers, R.N., is a board-certified lactation consultant and perinatal educator at Manatee Memorial Hospital's Family BirthPlace. Her column appears every other week in WellBeing. Contact her at katie.powers@mmhhs.com.