Gum Health During Pregnancy

Good oral hygiene is important for everyone, but it can be especially critical during pregnancy. Hormonal changes, morning sickness, other factors, and pregnancy gingivitis can all affect your oral health. 

The Importance of Healthy Gums During Pregnancy

Your gum health during pregnancy can be affected by hormonal changes as your body begins producing more progesterone to aid in the growth of your baby. In addition, pregnancy causes an increase in blood flow to the gum tissues. This can increase your risk of gum disease and even lead to premature birth and low birth weight due to preeclampsia. This is why it’s so important to keep your gums healthy during your nine months of pregnancy through regular brushing and flossing.

In addition to maintaining good oral hygiene habits, talk to your doctor about other steps you can take to promote healthy gums during pregnancy. If you experience any symptoms of periodontal diseases, such as bleeding or sensitivity, be sure to see your dentist for treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Why Are My Gums Bleeding?

Many women experience bleeding gums during pregnancy, so you are not alone! In fact, it’s quite common for pregnant women to experience increased gum sensitivity, tenderness, and bleeding during brushing or flossing. This is due to changes in the hormone levels in your body.

During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone increases in your body. This increase in hormones can result in swollen gum tissues. The swelling causes the tight bond between your teeth and gums to loosen, which can cause your gums to bleed easily when you brush, floss, or even eat certain foods.

Symptoms tend to get worse as your pregnancy progresses, usually peaking during the second trimester. However, even if you never experienced any discomfort with your teeth and gums before you got pregnant, you might notice bleeding gums once you’re expecting.

The good news is that if this issue is just due to hormonal changes during your pregnancy, it should resolve itself after the baby is born. In the meantime, make sure you keep up with your daily oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice a day and flossing every day.

If bleeding gums are accompanied by any other symptoms like pain or red gums, be sure to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms and help you get relief.

How to Treat Gingivitis During Pregnancy

Your gums may become more inflamed during pregnancy, a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. If you develop this common gum condition, your dentist can recommend an oral care routine for pregnant women to help treat it.

Rinse your teeth after every meal by using a small amount of water or mouthwash to rinse away bacteria and food particles. You can also floss to remove any excess buildup between teeth. Ask your dentist about products that can help with removing plaque and tartar from teeth and gums.

Your dentist may recommend more frequent appointments during your pregnancy and to discuss any concerns about your oral health during this time. If you have any questions regarding oral health during this exciting time in your life, contact your dentist in Springfield today! 

Please reach out to iTooth Family Dentistry in Springfield, MO, to have a consultation with our dentists, Dr. Robbins or Dr. Fincel. Call Dentist in Springfield, MO, at (417) 883-8515 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.