Effects of pregnancy on the periodontium

Question 1

What are the main changes to the periodontal tissues during pregnancy?

Answer 1

• Increased local inflammatory process
• Changes in vasodilation and local microbiome

Question 2

What happens to the permeability of the periodontal tissues during pregnancy?

Answer 2

Increase in tissue vascularity and increase in exudate fluids through the gingival crevice

Question 3

What does the presence of increased progesterone do to neutrophil activity?

Answer 3

Less responsive

Question 4

Why can pregnancy lead to increased tooth mobility?

Answer 4

Change in collagen turnover at the end of pregnancy that can lead to a change in PDL leading to short term increase in mobility.