The term pregnancy gingivitis indicates that the gums are inflamed during pregnancy, also known as swollen gums. Gums that swell during pregnancy are more likely to bleed and are more prone to soreness.
Facts About Pregnancy Gingivitis and Gum Disease Treatment
During pregnancy, your gums become more sensitive, irritable, and swollen due to hormonal changes, which increase blood flow to the gum tissue. In this article, you’ll learn more about pregnancy gingivitis and gum disease treatment.
Is It Common for Gums to Swell During Pregnancy?
Answer – Yes. According to the CDC, the prevalence of
gingivitis among pregnant women ranges between 60 and 75%.
A pregnant woman is more likely to suffer from periodontal disease as her progesterone levels increase during pregnancy, causing them to be hypersensitive to oral plaque bacteria.
Hormonal changes also interfere with the body’s ability to fight bacteria that cause gum disease. Plaque is more likely to accumulate on your teeth, making you susceptible to gingivitis. As pregnancy progresses, the severity of pregnancy gingivitis generally increases.
How to recognize signs of gum disease during pregnancy
.Gums that are swollen or red
.Gums that are tender or bleed
.Tooth sensitivities
.Having difficulty chewing or experiencing pain while doing so
.Teeth that are loose
.Gum Disease Treatment During Pregnancy
A good dental hygiene routine is essential for pregnant women. At least twice a day, brush your teeth and floss your teeth. If you use a soft toothbrush, your gums are less likely to be irritated. Maintaining a schedule for professional cleanings is also important, as is discussing any dental problems with your dentist.
Gingivitis may progress to a more serious disease called periodontitis if left untreated. Preterm birth is associated with periodontitis in pregnancy. It is good news that you should not have to worry about dental problems when you maintain good oral hygiene and get routine professional cleanings.
However, the treatment of gum disease during pregnancy must be individualized because each pregnancy is unique (as are cases of gum disease). Women with acute or subacute infection should be treated with antibiotics and topical antiseptics.
Control of infection is best accomplished with oral hygiene measures and regular professional cleanings. Your dentist will be able to design a treatment plan that works best for you during your pregnancy.
Prime Dental
Take the time to take good care of your teeth and gums during this exciting time of your life – it will help you teach your child to do the same!
Maintaining good oral hygiene during pregnancy is possible with Prime Dental. Prime Dental provides comprehensive dental care and consultation for pregnant women. Visit us for your next dental checkup in Port Coquitlam so you can keep your gums healthy while pregnant.
The members of our team have decades of combined dentistry experience and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about your dental health. Contact us today.