The link between oral health and diabetes has been long known, but understanding gestational diabetes, or diabetes that develops during pregnancy, makes the connection even more important and complex.
Recent research is showing a connection between oral health and gestational diabetes, which emphasizes how important it is to keep your teeth and gums healthy, especially throughout your pregnancy. Doing so can lead to better health outcomes for both you and your child.
Here’s what the research showed and why it’s important.
The Problem With Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels that develop during pregnancy, generally around week 24 [1].
Although it may not cause symptoms for some people, gestational diabetes poses risks to both the mother and child, including complications during delivery and the potential for the child to develop diabetes later in life.
As such, taking care to prevent the development of gestational diabetes where possible is crucial—and seeing your dentist might just play a role.
What the Research Showed
The research highlighted a correlation between poor oral health care during pregnancy and the incidence of gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders [2]. But what exactly does this mean?
Women diagnosed with these pregnancy-related complications were found to have lower rates of preventative oral healthcare and fewer visits to the dentist during their pregnancy than those who did not experience these health outcomes.
This data suggests that women who receive preventative oral health care like dental cleanings and checkups have lower rates of gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders. This goes to show how caring for your smile can support a healthy body—and even a healthy baby.
Why Visit the Dentist During Pregnancy?
Maintaining good oral hygiene is critical not just for preventing cavities and gum disease but also because it can influence the health of both the mother and child during pregnancy.
The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can increase the risk of gum disease, which, in turn, can trigger inflammation that affects the entire body, potentially contributing to conditions like gestational diabetes.
Research has also shown a link between poor oral health and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight and premature birth [3]. Even if your symptoms are mild—such as occasional bleeding gums or sensitive gum tissue—getting regular checkups during your pregnancy is well worth it to protect your health and the health of your child.
Make Oral Healthcare a Part of Your Pregnancy
Prioritizing your oral health during pregnancy might just help you reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders and protect your baby’s health. Contact your dentist to schedule a preventative oral health assessment and ensure your teeth and gums are healthy!
Sources:
- https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/gestational-diabetes.html
- https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(25)00040-6/fulltext
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.963956/full
