Pregnancy Gingivitis

During pregnancy, hormonal changes occur in the female body, and the gums become more prone to infection (pregnancy-sensitive gums). There is an increase in complaints of bleeding gums, redness, inflammation, or swelling in the gums during pregnancy. We usually call this condition “pregnancy gingivitis”.

The worst part is when a gum problem occurs, pregnant patients avoid brushing their teeth. This situation causes problems to increase even more. But pregnant patients should know that dentists recommend oral care at least twice a day, which is as important as treatment for pregnancy gingivitis.

The Main Cause of Pregnancy Gingivitis

During pregnancy, gum problems usually begin in the 2nd month and reach their highest level in the 8th month. In this period, the most common cause of gum problems is neglected oral care. As a result, bacterial plaque accumulates on the teeth and gums. Bacterial plaque causes inflammation of the gums. The use of appropriate oral care products (eg, ADA-approved;  Parodontax Antigingivitis Toothpaste, Reach Advanced Design Medium Manual Toothbrush, and as a different choice: TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse, etc.) can be very helpful in pregnancy gingivitis cases.

In addition, the pregnant patients are constantly snacking. In this respect, gum problems may be inevitable if they do not rinse their mouth regularly, do not brush their teeth, do not use dental floss, or do not have tartar cleaning at regular intervals.

From Tooth Loss to Premature Birth

During pregnancy, hormonal changes in the body can trigger inflammation of the gums. When the inflammation of the gums progresses, there may be a loss of gums, ligaments, and bones that support the tooth. When pregnant, neglecting this situation, tooth loss may occur.

Studies have also shown that gum problems (eg, pregnancy gingivitis) during pregnancy can cause premature or low-weight births.

“Pregnancy Tumor”

Due to hormonal changes, gingival enlargement, which we call a “pregnancy tumor”, can also present during pregnancy. These gingival enlargements usually go away on their own after birth.

However, when these swellings grow up to the chewing surfaces of the teeth, pain and discomfort due to trauma occur. If the pregnant patient’s oral care is not sufficient and there is a gum infection, this picture may result in pregnancy gingivitis or become even more severe.

Treatment of Pregnancy Gingivitis

It is not true that there should be no treatment for gum disease during pregnancy. On the contrary, dentists state that dental check-ups during pregnancy are much more important. During this period, pregnant patients should pay more attention to their oral and dental health.

When planning a pregnancy should take precautions regarding oral and dental health before becoming pregnant. For this, if any, inflammation of the gums and dental caries must be treated.

During pregnancy, there should be regular oral and dental examinations for control purposes. When necessary, treatment of gum-related problems should also be done. For non-emergency situations, the optimal treatment interval is between the 4th and 6th months of pregnancy.

In the presence of pain and infection in the gums, treatment of pregnancy gingivitis is necessary regardless of the period of pregnancy. Thus, the pregnant patient’s quality of life and the chance of having a problem-free pregnancy period increase.