Pregnancy Gingivitis

What is Pregnancy Gingivitis?

Pregnancy gingivitis is simply gingivitis that occurs during pregnancy. More than 50% of all pregnant women experience some form of pregnancy gingivitis. Though gingivitis disease is annoying, it is usually harmless, unless it is left untreated. If pregnancy gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease, it can increase your risk of going intopreterm labour.

Causes of Pregnancy Gingivitis

There are a number of causes, one reason is increased blood flow. It actually increases between 30% and 50%. This is to ensure that your baby is provided with the appropriate nutrients to grow and develop. This increased blood flow can also cause the gums to swell and become very tender, it may even cause the gums to bleed, leaving them at increased risk for gingivitis.

The rise in hormones can also play a role in developing pregnancy gingivitis. These higher levels of hormones leave the gums and teeth more sensitive to the bacteria that hide in plaque. This is one reason why gingivitis is so common in pregnancy.

Morning sickness may also play a small role in contributing to pregnancy gingivitis. Many women find that they can no longer stand the smell or taste of toothpaste, making it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene. Increased vomiting during pregnancy can also take its toll on your gums.

Vomit contains stomach acid which can eat away at your gums and teeth, making your mouth very sensitive.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Complications of Pregnancy Gingivitis

Generally speaking, pregnancy gingivitis is nothing to worry about. However, if gingivitis is left untreated it could cause potential health problems for both mom and baby.

Sometimes, gum disease can cause sores to form on the gums. These sores are often called pregnancy tumors. These tumors can grow up to three-quarters of an inch in size and may cause discomfort or even pain. If ruptured, pregnancy tumors can become infected. Most tumors can be easily removed though, before they cause any complications.

It is important to take pregnancy gingivitis seriously because, if untreated, it will lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal gum disease is an advanced form of gingivitis that attacks the bones and tissues supporting the teeth. This disease can cause permanent damage to the mouth, and can cause the lose of both gums and teeth. Periodontal disease has also been linked to a higher risk of premature birth at 32 weeks. In fact women with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to give birth prematurely.

Treating Gingivitis in Pregnancy

There are no cures for gum disease although its damage can sometimes be reversed or halted. All pregnant women should receive at least two thorough dental cleanings during pregnancy. This should help to reduce your chances of developing pregnancy gingivitis or periodontal disease.

If you already have gingivitis, the best gum disease treatment is to have a complete cleaning at your dentist’s office. The dental hygienist will scale your teeth using a variety of instruments. This will remove excess plaque from your teeth and around your gum line.

Prevention

The best treatment for gingivitis is prevention. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine will ensure that you have healthy gums and teeth for a long time to come. Seeing your dental hygienist or dentist before and during pregnancy is the best advice from every dental clinician

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