Gingivitis is usually defined as the swelling or inflammation of the gum tissues. Most of the pregnant women will experience some signs of gingivitis during their pregnancy. In most of the cases, this condition is due to the result of poor oral hygiene.
Usually, the bacterial film that is developed on your teeth cannot be removed by flossing and brushing. The plaque can irritate your gums thus making them swollen, tender, sensitive, red and they also bleed regularly.
What factors can contribute to pregnancy gingivitis?
There are various causes of gum disease during pregnancy. Increased blood flow is one among those. During pregnancy, the blood level is increased up to 40-50% than usual. This increased blood flow makes your gums to swell and therefore they become very tender. This can also lead to gum bleeding, thus leaving the gums at a greater risk of gingivitis.
Rise in hormones is also another reason for pregnancy gingivitis. The higher levels of hormones make your gums and teeth more sensitive to the bacteria that hide in the plaque.
Morning sickness is another reason that plays a great role in causing pregnancy gingivitis. Most of the pregnant women cannot tolerate the smell or taste of the toothpaste, thus it becomes very difficult to preserve good oral hygiene.
What warning signs make you to seek medical treatment?
Various symptoms appear due to pregnancy gingivitis. Among those, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you need to take medical treatment. They include:
- Mouth sores
- Tender and swollen gums
- Continual bad breathing
- Red or purple red gums
- Bad taste in your mouth that don’t disappear
- Leakage of blood from the gums after flossing or brushing
- Gums that appear shiny
Usually, the swelling of your gums first begins when you are 2 months pregnant and it gradually reaches to the peak level by the middle of the last trimester. Usually, it disappears from 3-6 months after the delivery. The severity of the disease depends on the gum problems that exist before you become pregnant.
Are there any precautionary measures to prevent the pregnancy gingivitis?
- Brush your teeth effectively by using the fluoride consisting toothpaste once in a day. Use the soft toothbrush with rounded bristles.
- Flossing the teeth everyday helps you to remove the plaque from the tooth surfaces that your toothbrush cannot reach.
- Use antimicrobial mouth rinse to wash your mouth.
Are there any complications with your unborn baby?
- Gum disease during pregnancy can lead to premature birth of your baby.
- Most severe gum disease can cause the baby to born within 32 weeks of gestation period.
Take proper care of your gums to prevent any gum diseases during pregnancy so that you can give birth to a healthy baby.
