Pregnancy affects nearly every aspect of a woman’s life, and her oral health is not an exception. During pregnancy, about half of women (60 to 70%) experience a condition called pregnancy gingivitis.
Now you might be asking, what in the world is that? Let’s explore further.
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, that is essentially caused by the accumulation of dental plaque in the spaces between gums and the teeth.
Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, the significant increase of blood flow to the gum tissue causes the gums to be more sensitive, irritable and swollen.
So if you’re expecting a baby, don’t be surprised to see a bit of blood on your toothbrush or dental floss every now and then, because it is common during pregnancy.
What Are The Symptoms?
Gingivitis is most common between the second and eighth month of pregnancy. The increase of progesterone hormones during these times makes the gum tissue more sensitive to plaque.
Signs of pregnancy gingivitis range from red, swollen- looking gums that bleed a little when brushing teeth, to severe swelling and bleeding of gum tissues.
Make sure you talk to your dental professional about the elevated risk before and during this special moment to help prevent it.
Treatment and Prevention
As good dental care is naturally essential outside of pregnancy, moms-to-be should take extra care of their dental health.
Here are some important things to remember to prevent or treat gingivitis while you’re pregnant.
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Be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, preferably in the morning and at night.
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Use soft-bristled toothbrush and brush with a gentle motion to prevent excess pressure on your gums that can lead to bleeding.
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Rinse thoroughly after brushing to get rid of bacteria in hard-to-reach places.
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Remember to floss at least once daily to prevent plaque buildup.
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Limit sugary snacks and drinks that sticks to your teeth and eat a healthy, balanced diet to ensure you’re getting the right amount of nutrients for both you and your growing baby.
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Visit your dental professional regularly. He/she will monitor your gums and offer tips for keeping bleeding to a minimum.
Should You Be Worried?
The hormone changes happening during pregnancy may make it easier for certain gingivitis-causing bacteria to grow and if gingivitis is left unchecked, it may lead to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis.
Periodontitis during pregnancy increases the chance of preterm birth.
Several studies have shown that, compared to mothers with healthy gums, pregnant women with chronic gum disease were four to seven times more likely to deliver prematurely (before gestational week 37) and underweight babies.
Mothers with the most severe periodontal disease delivered the most prematurely, at 32 weeks.
“But it is still not yet known whether treating gum disease reduces the risk of preterm birth.”
And the good news is that as long as you keep your oral hygiene in check and do routine professional cleanings, there should be nothing for you to worry about.
Rest assured, your gums should go back to normal after the delivery of your baby.
PS: Contact your dentist if swelling and irritation worsen during your pregnancy or continue after delivery.
Download our Doc2Us app from Google App Store or Apple Store and chat with a doctor now.
References:
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Wu, M., Chen, S. and Jiang, S. (2015). Relationship between Gingival Inflammation and Pregnancy. Mediators of Inflammation, 2015, pp.1-11.
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American Pregnancy Association. (2019). Swollen Gums During Pregnancy. [online] Available at: https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/swollen-gums-during-pregnancy/.
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WebMD. (2019). Pregnancy Gingivitis and Pregnancy Tumors. [online] Available at: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/pregnancy-gingivitis-tumors#2.
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Oralb.com. (2019). Over 50% of Pregnant Women Have Gingivitis - Learn More. [online] Available at: https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gums/pregnancy-gingivitis-symptoms-treatments.
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Crest.com. (2019). Pregnancy Gingivitis: Symptoms & Treatments During Pregnancy. [online] Available at: https://crest.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gums/pregnancy-gingivitis-symptoms-treatments-during-pregnancy.
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Crest.com. (2019). Pregnancy Gingivitis: Symptoms & Treatments During Pregnancy. [online] Available at: https://crest.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gums/pregnancy-gingivitis-symptoms-treatments-during-pregnancy.
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