Gingivitis during pregnancy is a condition that can occur due to hormonal changes during this period, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as bleeding gums, redness, sensitivity and bad breath, for example.
This situation is more common in the second trimester of pregnancy, especially in women who have gum inflammation before pregnancy due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth, and can also happen in women who have good oral hygiene habits.
In case of gingivitis during pregnancy, it is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene and consult the dentist to have your teeth evaluated and cleaned, as if this situation is not controlled, it can lead to premature birth and low birth weight of the newborn.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of gingivitis during pregnancy are:
- Easy gum bleeding when chewing or brushing your teeth;
- Redness of the gums;
- Swollen gums with a shiny surface;
- Intense or constant pain in the teeth;
- Bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth, even after brushing your teeth.
Gingivitis must be treated as quickly as possible, as if it continues to develop, it can lead to complications such as an increased risk of premature birth or low birth weight of the baby.
Causes of gingivitis in pregnancy
Inflamed gums during pregnancy occur due to hormonal changes that occur during this period, as progesterone and estrogen levels increase in the blood, which can accumulate in the gums and cause changes in local vascularization, favoring inflammation.
Furthermore, hormonal changes during pregnancy also cause changes in the composition of dental plaque, favoring the proliferation of bacteria such as Prevotella intermedia e Porphyromonas gingivalisfor example, which contribute to gum inflammation.
On the other hand, the decrease in the activity of a woman’s immune system during pregnancy is also a factor that increases the susceptibility of gum tissues to developing inflammation during pregnancy.
How the treatment is carried out
In case of gingivitis during pregnancy, the most recommended thing is to maintain good oral hygiene habits, brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft bristle brush, flossing once a day and using a mouthwash without alcohol after brushing your teeth.
However, if the gingivitis continues to worsen or the pain and bleeding in the gums continues to occur, it is advisable to consult a dentist, as it may also be necessary to have the bacterial plaque professionally cleaned.
In some cases, the dentist may recommend the use of a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne, for example, and the use of extremely fine dental floss, to reduce irritation and the chances of gum bleeding.
After the baby is born, it is recommended that the woman return to the dentist so that he can check that the gingivitis has not returned or that there are no other dental problems such as cavities, requiring a filling or root canal.
How to prevent
The best way to prevent gum inflammation during pregnancy is through good oral hygiene, which should be done as follows:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day for about 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste;
- Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove the remaining food that remains between your teeth;
- Rinse your mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash immediately after brushing your teeth.
Furthermore, it is important to avoid excessive consumption of sweet and acidic foods and drinks, as they can promote gum inflammation and the appearance of cavities.
On the other hand, in case of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with water and wait at least an hour to brush your teeth.
