Pregnancy Gingivitis

Symptoms and Treatments of Gum Inflammation During Pregnancy

Getting the news that you’re pregnant is such a special time. It is also an important time to make sure that you’re caring for yourself which includes taking care of your teeth. The hormonal changes that you go through during pregnancy can affect your teeth and gums. It is usually advised that you get your teeth cleaned more often during pregnancy to prevent getting pregnancy gingivitis. At Living Well Dental Group we care about the health of you and your baby, that’s why we’ve included this blog with information about how to care for your teeth during pregnancy to avoid getting pregnancy gingivitis and treatment options in case you do.

Symptoms and Treatments of Gum Inflammation During Pregnancy

Getting the news that you’re pregnant is such a special time. It is also an important time to make sure that you’re caring for yourself which includes taking care of your teeth. The hormonal changes that you go through during pregnancy can affect your teeth and gums. It is usually advised that you get your teeth cleaned more often during pregnancy to prevent getting pregnancy gingivitis. At Living Well Dental Group we care about the health of you and your baby, that’s why we’ve included this blog with information about how to care for your teeth during pregnancy to avoid getting pregnancy gingivitis and treatment options in case you do.

What is pregnancy gingivitis?

Pregnancy gingivitis can be a common occurrence during pregnancy. Up to 60-70% of pregnant women get pregnancy gingivitis. Pregnancy gingivitis occurs when plaque accumulates between the teeth and gums causing inflammation of the gums. The changes in hormone levels while pregnant make women more susceptible to bacteria plaque that causes pregnancy gingivitis. This most often occurs between the 2nd and 8th month of pregnancy.

Causes of Pregnancy gingivitis

The cause of pregnancy gingivitis is bacterial plaque that accumulates between the teeth and gums. This plaque causes inflammation of the gums. Pregnant women are at a greater risk due to the increased levels of progesterone hormone that exaggerates the response to the bacterial plaque.

Pregnancy gingivitis symptoms?

Symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis most often show up during the 2nd-8thmonth of pregnancy. It is really important to stay on top of your oral health during pregnancy. Your Dentist may recommend that you get your teeth cleaned more often during pregnancy to avoid developing pregnancy gingivitis. Some of the signs that you may have pregnancy gingivitis include:

• Red swollen gums
• Gums that bleed easily
• Puffy gums
• Bad breath
• Receding gums

Pregnancy gingivitis prevention and treatment

The key to preventing pregnancy gingivitis is to reduce the amount of bacterial plaque in your mouth. Follow these key steps to help ensure health gums during pregnancy:

• Brush your teeth 2 times day (morning and night)
• Spend at least 2 minutes brushing your teeth
• Use a fluoridated toothpaste to help protect your teeth from bacterial plaque
• Use a fluoridated mouth rinse once daily
• Floss daily
• Eat a healthy diet and avoid surgery foods and drinks
• Visit your Dentist more often while pregnant

Can gingivitis affect pregnancy?

Gingivitis can cause complications for your pregnancy. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection in the bone around your teeth. If this occurs, your baby may be at increased risk of preterm birth or low birth weight, among other health conditions.

It’s important to stay on top of your health which will ensure a healthy pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis can be avoided with good oral hygiene and more frequent dental visits. If the symptoms for pregnancy gingivitis do occur, visit your Dentist as soon as possible.

Visit Naperville’s Pregnancy Gingivitis Experts Today

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming and would like the health of your gums evaluated, call today and speak to one of our caring team members. We can answer all of your questions and get you scheduled today for an evaluation. Call 630-505-1516 today!