Bridal Preparations Should Include
Periodontal Care
The Chicago-based American Academy of Periodontology has issued a
statement to brides urging them to consider periodontal treatment before the day
of their weddings.
“Prepare the guest list. . . Choose the wedding dress. . . Schedule the
photographer. . . Visit the dentist?” says the release. “Yes, brides to be may
want to consider adding periodontal treatment to their wedding timelines to
ensure a beautiful and healthy wedding day smile.”
The organization says that many dentists offer a variety of cosmetic periodontal
procedures for brides insecure about smiling in front of the camera. The gist of
the release is that a big event such as a wedding is an excellent time for brides –
as well as their grooms and families -- to consider dental work in order to change
their smile.
Emerging research in esthetic and regenerative periodontal procedures enables
dentists to provide patients with treatment alternatives for imperfections such as
“gummy” smiles and missing teeth that are functional and esthetically pleasing.
“Long gums can create a gummy smile,” says Dr. Robert Schoor, AAP
immediate past -president. “To correct this, the
periodontal surgeon simply reshapes the gum tissue, exposing the rest of the tooth.”
Stress and hormonal fluctuations during wedding planning can affect many
tissues, including periodontal tissue, an increase susceptibility to periodontal
disease. “Stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection,
including periodontal disease,” says Dr. Schoor.
In addition, oral contraceptives and pregnancy cause hormonal changes that can
negatively impact oral health. Women who are planning to become pregnant need
to know that their periodontal disease can affect the health of their babies.
“Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely
to have a baby that is born too early and too small,” says Dr.
Schoor.