Pregnancy and periodontal status changes – review and a clinical case

A. Kozma, N. Forna

Rezumat: Pregnancy is a time characterized by physiological changes that are related to a high vulnerability of the oral health. The variation of the prevalence of changes of the periodontal status correlated to pregnancy can be related to specific particularities of the different investigated populations (cultural factors, oral hygiene habits, concentration and distribution of estrogen and progesterone receptors in gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells). The onset of the pregnancy gingivitis is related to the increased levels of estrogen and progesterone that change the levels of periodontal subgingival pathogens, increase the levels of prostaglandins, modify the immunologic response by influencing the levels of some cytokines and interleukines, and decrease the antioxidants levels in gingival crevicular fluid. Also, localized or generalized gingival enlargement can be related to pregnancy, as hormonal changes increase the response to local irritants (bacteria, calculus). The authors present a relevant case from their casuistry. In the conclusion of our study, the variation of the prevalence of changes of the periodontal status correlated to pregnancy can be related to specific particularities of the different investigated populations, and also the dental practitioners need to provide in-depth knowledge to the pregnant women about the changes that occur in the oral cavity status during pregnancy.
Cuvinte cheie: pregnancy, periodontium, dental treatment, estrogen receptors.