Pregnancy is a phase in a woman’s life that requires care and attention. With all the hormonal changes and transformations that occur during pregnancy, it is normal to feel many different things at once. Among all these changes and things they may have or feel, gingivitis is one of them. Gingivitis during pregnancy is also known as pregnancy gingivitis, as its appearance is very common during this period.

What Is Pregnancy Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums resulting from plaque buildup and the length of time these deposits remain in the mouth. Pregnancy gingivitis is also gum inflammation due to plaque accumulation. It gets this specific name because of its frequent occurrence among pregnant women, who, due to hormonal changes, become more prone to problems like this. The main characteristic of gingivitis is inflammation and bleeding of the gums; bleeding may occur, for example, simply while brushing your teeth. Since the area can become quite sensitive and painful due to inflammation, the discomfort it causes is often unavoidable. Gingivitis during pregnancy can be treated and prevented with careful cleaning by the pregnant woman herself, in the comfort of her home, by brushing her teeth after each meal and always using dental floss, at least once a day. But be aware: the cause of pregnancy gingivitis can be due to hormonal changes or bacterial plaque. Therefore, diagnosis can only be made through a dental appointment. Seeing a dentist is important, as only they will know what is really happening with your oral health. Even if you decide not to go to the dentist and choose to clean your teeth yourself, your gums may still bleed, even if your oral hygiene is correct. This can happen because pregnancy gingivitis does not come from bacterial plaque, but rather from a hormonal imbalance. That is why it is important to see a dental professional, since besides knowing what should be done, they will also help prevent potential worsening of your gingivitis, stopping it from progressing to something more serious.

IMPORTANT: For future mothers who are planning to have a baby, seeking medical follow-up as soon as possible to ensure everything is fine with your health is very important. In this case, seeing a dentist to check on your oral health is also essential, because by doing this, you will have all the necessary procedures done to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Periodontal Disease

Due to hormonal changes, pregnant women are more likely and vulnerable to developing periodontal disease. Gingivitis is a periodontal disease and is classified at the first level, that is, the mildest stage. It is a condition that affects both the gums and the teeth, as well as the surrounding bone. Not having proper treatment with a specialist may contribute to the progression to stage two or three—periodontitis and advanced periodontitis, respectively—with gingivitis being the first stage of the disease. For a smooth pregnancy, all health precautions are necessary and essential, not just for your teeth but as a whole. Oral health is included in these precautions, as it does not only affect the mother’s health. If left untreated, gingivitis can also affect the baby’s health, causing, for example, premature birth or low birth weight. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to take all possible preventive measures, so that her pregnancy will be much smoother and, most importantly, healthy.

Causes

The main cause of gingivitis is poor dental hygiene, which leads to the accumulation of bacterial plaque. Lack of hygiene makes it easier for a sticky, colorless film to form on and around the teeth and gums—this is bacterial plaque and tartar. In the case of pregnancy gingivitis, beyond these factors, other elements may influence its appearance, such as hormonal changes.

Symptoms of Gingivitis in Pregnancy

The symptoms of gingivitis can vary, but the most common ones are:

  • Redness
  • Sensitivity in the teeth
  • Bleeding (especially when brushing)
  • Inflamed gums
  • Pain
  • Sores in the mouth
  • Unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Receding gums

Gingivitis symptoms are easy for a dentist to diagnose quickly, and the individual might also notice if they have gingivitis based on these symptoms. However, it is important to have a dental evaluation, as the dentist will precisely assess the teeth and may order an X-ray to study the case. Tests will detect tartar and bacterial plaque buildup in the mouth and can also determine if the case has progressed to periodontitis. With X-rays, it is possible to see if tartar and plaque have spread to other places and structures in the mouth.

How to Treat and Cure?

During pregnancy, women experience a series of discomforts, sensitivities, vulnerabilities, among many other things. But there is always a solution for all these issues, there is always a treatment that can help women have a better experience during pregnancy. Gingivitis is no different—its treatment is simple, you just need to follow all recommendations for a faster cure. In order to have adequate treatment, it is necessary and essential to have a dental check-up beforehand, as only a dentist will know what is best for each person, especially a pregnant woman. The procedure consists of:

  • Dental assessment;
  • Cleaning, scaling, and polishing to completely remove bacterial plaque and tartar lodged on the teeth;
  • Guidance on proper at-home teeth cleaning;
  • Prescription of antibiotics.

So, when followed correctly, treatment is very effective and the cure will be successful, but all these steps must be strictly followed. With the right treatment, gingivitis can be cured in a few months or even weeks, as every case is different and everyone responds differently to treatment.

IMPORTANT: When seeing a dentist, it is very important to inform them of your pregnancy, so there is no risk of taking any medication that is not recommended for pregnant women.

Prevention

Preventing a disease is better than treating one, thereby avoiding uncomfortable and painful procedures. Some diseases can be prevented, and if they cannot be avoided, at least early diagnosis improves the chances of a successful cure. Gingivitis during pregnancy, or pregnancy gingivitis, is no exception. Prevention consists of:

  • Proper oral hygiene
  • Brushing your teeth at least three times a day, or after each meal
  • Using dental floss
  • Visiting the dentist regularly
  • Using mouthwash, preferably alcohol-free
  • Avoiding foods rich in sugar, or at least cutting down on their consumption
  • Not smoking

These tips are important for women’s oral health care in general, especially to avoid the onset and inconvenience of gingivitis during pregnancy. That’s why it is important to emphasize the role of the dentist for more effective prevention; because if a pregnancy gingivitis case is detected early, the dentist will provide better guidance and ensure that it does not progress to periodontitis. Also see: Toothache in Pregnancy: What to Do? How to Relieve It? Photo: Ciceronn