Bleeding Gums in Pregnancy Gingivitis. During Pregnancy Your Are More Likely to Accelerate to the Next Stage of Gum Disease.

Pregnancy gingivitis is due to a pregnant woman’s body producing elevated levels of hormones. The body holds 40% more fluid when a woman is pregnant and cells of gum tissue are no exception. Due to the extra fluid the gums can become red, swollen, and tender.  Since the gums are tender pregnant women tend to decrease their care of oral care which only increases the chances of pregnancy gingivitis. Bleeding gums in pregnancy is possible especially when brushing or flossing take place.

Why are women more vulnerable to this condition? The answer is found inside the woman's body. It is all about the hormones! The hormones become elevated at conception and stay elevated until after she has delivered the baby. Some women know bleeding gums during pregnancy is quite common and therefore many lists of symptoms of pregnancy now include bleeding gums. Gingivitis during pregnancy is very common; in fact some studies show half or more of all pregnant women experience pregnancy gingivitis. Gum disease and pregnancy go together almost like frequent trips to the bathroom and pregnancy go together. The good news is that with proper care the condition can be controlled. If left untreated, the mothers gums and teeth are at a long-term risk.

Treatment for Bleeding Gums and Gingivitis During Pregnancy?

The best advice for a pregnant woman is to keep impeccable oral hygiene during pregnancy and to visit their dentist for regular cleanings. Sometimes if pregnancy gingivitis is apparent a dentist will have a pregnant woman visit the office more regularly for additional cleanings. The best ways to take good care of a pregnant woman’s mouth is to brush at least twice a day, floss daily and even swish with just water after a meal if nothing else is available. Use a soft-bristle brush only.  It’s also important to rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to help eliminate plaque. Be careful, however, there are harsh chemicals found in most commercial mouthwashes.  Brushing one’s tongue should not be overlooked as it rids of bacteria that stick to the tongue.  Another way to try to avoid pregnancy gingivitis is to eat healthy snacks.  The same is true for fluid intake too; the less sugary the better.

Symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis:

• Sore gums that are red and tender 
• Swollen gums 
• Bleeding gums 
• Bad breath 
• Mouth sores 

Pregnancy Gingivitis - Do Not Ignore the Problem!

It’s very important for a pregnant woman to take care of her mouth during the pregnancy due to the link between gum disease and pregnancy as well as for other reasons. The late stage of gum disease, periodontitis, has been linked to babies with low birth weight and premature babies being born. Periodontitis can be avoided even if gingivitis is present by controlling the gingivitis with a dentist’s help. Periodontitis has also been linked to high blood pressure and high sugar levels, neither of which will do an expecting mother any good.  

A common question from people hearing they have gingivitis especially when its pregnancy gingivitis is “is gingivitis curable?” The answer is yes, but there is not a magic pill that is like a vaccine. Instead, a daily holistic approach is what will give you victory over this disease. When gingivitis is in the early stages, good oral hygiene is paramount. Dental hygiene should entail a natural product that is effective, yet does not contain potentially toxic chemicals.  If gingivitis progresses to advanced gum disease, then your dentist may have to attemp to eliminate the bacteria by a prescription of antibiotics or by such dental procedures as rooting and planing. In some cases a pregnant woman may be told to wait until she delivers the baby before having such procedures.