Pregnancy Gingivitis (Bleeding Gums): Signs, Causes And Treatment

Pregnancy gingivitis is characterized by inflamed or swollen gums (1). It could be painful during pregnancy and more susceptible to bleeding. When pregnant, hormonal changes lead to an increased blood flow to the gums that could make your gums more sensitive, swollen, and irritable.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 60 to 75% of pregnant women experience gingivitis (2). Read this post to learn about the causes, signs, treatment, and prevention of gingivitis during pregnancy.

Causes Of Gingivitis In Pregnancy

The following factors may cause gum diseases.

1. Skipping oral care: Pregnancy can lead to exhaustion, and many women may skip brushing and flossing at night. It can lead to plaque and bacteria build-up, causing problems with gum health (3).

2. Hormonal changes: Diminished estrogen or modified estrogen metabolism may lead to alterations in gum health during pregnancy (4).

3. Smoking: Smoking during pregnancy may lead to periodontal diseases in expecting mothers (5).

4. Diabetes: The risk of periodontal diseases is three times more in people with diabetes when compared to non-diabetic individuals (6). Mothers with gestational diabetes may be more prone to developing diabetes.

5. Diet: Pregnancy cravings can make a woman binge on sugary or junk food. These food items can increase the bacterial growth in the oral cavity and may lead to gingivitis and other problems such as tooth decay (3).

Signs And Symptoms Of Gingivitis During Pregnancy

Gum disease during pregnancy may bring along the following signs and symptoms (7).

• Red or swollen gums
• Pain in the gums
• Bleeding gums
• Sensitive teeth
• Difficulty in chewing
• Loose teeth

Home Care For Gingivitis During Pregnancy

Some home grooming habits can help manage gingivitis at home (7).

1. Dental care

• Regular brushing

Brushing your teeth with a soft bristle brush or a gentle electric toothbrush can help remove the plaque gently. Coupling it with fluoridated toothpaste can help in preventing dental decay as well.

• Flossing

Flossing between teeth using a correct technique can help in plaque and bacteria removal.

Proper brushing and flossing can reverse the inflammation of gingivitis.

• Mouth washing

Using alcohol-free mouthwash can help in reducing the bacterial load in the oral cavity.

• Gargling

Gargling with a solution of sea salt and water (1:1 ratio) helps in reducing gum inflammation and gum healing.

2. Vitamin-rich food

• Vitamin A

Eat foods rich in vitamin A such as carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, mango, apricots, cheese, eggs, milk, yogurt, and oily fish. Vitamin A fights gum diseases. However, it is essential to monitor vitamin A intake as an overdose of vitamin A can be harmful to the developing fetus (8) (9).

• Vitamin C

Foods rich in vitamin C such as lemons, lime, peppers, strawberries, broccoli, and brussels sprouts help control bacteria build-up and control gingivitis (7) (10).

Signs You Need To See A Dentist

You must contact your dentist if you notice the following symptoms.

• Toothache
• Painful gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Gingival growths in the mouth
• Numbness of mouth

Let your doctor know about your pregnancy, even if you have not told your friends or family about it.

Complications Of Pregnancy Gingivitis

Untreated gingivitis may lead to infection of the supporting bone and resulting tooth loss (2). It may lead to periodontitis, a serious issue involving gum inflammation and pocket formation around teeth, leading to bacterial infections (7).

It may also lead to a need for tooth extraction. At times, periodontitis is also associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including premature birth and low birth weight. However, it is unclear why periodontitis leads to these complications (2).

Treatment For Pregnancy Gingivitis

If your home care is not enough and does not help cure gingivitis, you can visit your dentist.

• Professional deep cleaning can help eliminate the thin film of the soft and hard deposits called plaque (7). While emergency dental care is safe at any stage in pregnancy, most dental treatment is safest in the second trimester (11). However, you may seek your Ob/Gyn’s consent before getting dental cleanup and polishing during pregnancy.

• The doctor may also prescribe some analgesics to deal with the pain.

• For severe bacterial infections, the dentist may recommend some safe antibiotics. It is advised to consult your Ob/Gyn before consuming any antibiotics (12).

• Local anesthetic gels may be prescribed to numb the painful gums and prevent pain. These medicines are usually safe in pregnancy (12).

• If no intervention works, gum surgery might be recommended as a last resort. Ensure you have prenatal care provider’s consent before getting any oral surgery done (7).

Prevention Of Pregnancy Gingivitis

The following measures may help in preventing gingivitis (13).

• Avoid excessive sugary drinks such as juices and sugary tea.

• Avoid overconsumption of sweets.

• Snack on healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, yogurt, nuts, or seeds for late-night hunger pangs or hunger between meals.

• Do not use mouthwashes that contain alcohol.

• Avoid smoking.

Oral hygiene maintenance is important during pregnancy, and most dental treatments are safe to perform at this stage. If you plan to get pregnant, get your dental cleaning done in advance. Also, keep your Ob/Gyn informed about the medications and treatment suggested by your dentist.

References:

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• Author

Dr. Ritika Shah

Dr. Ritika Shah is a dental surgeon with more than seven years of clinical experience across various cities in India. During her clinical practice, pediatric dentistry was her particular area of interest, and she constantly thrived to inculcate the latest advancements in the field of dentistry into her practice. She also holds a certificate in lactation counselling from iNational Health... more