During pregnancy woman may have swollen gums, which may bleed. The condition is called pregnancy gingivitis and it is mainly caused due to the hormonal changes that are common in pregnant women. It also causes inflammation in the gums, which becomes more sensitive and swollen during pregnancy.
The condition may be found in more than fifty percent of the women and other symptoms are gums swelling and formation of plaque on the teeth. If the disorder is not treated on time, it can cause periodontal disease, which can cause preterm labor and other complexities during pregnancy.
Increase in blood supply: Woman may suffer from dental problems due to the increase in blood flow. The blood flow increases by thirty to fifty percent during pregnancy, which enables the body of the women to supply blood to the growing fetus. The increase in blood supply and blood flow may cause swelling of the gums and gums may become very tender to bleed.
Immunity: The changes in hormones during pregnancy may reduce the immunity of the body and the woman may suffer from excessive formation of plaque on the teeth. The gum of a pregnant woman is more susceptible to infections. The condition may get severe during the second trimester.
Morning sickness: Women, who cannot stand certain smells and tastes, during pregnancy, may find it difficult to keep the teeth clean. A pregnant woman has more saliva formation in mouth, and the increase in vomiting and stomach acid can damage the teeth.
Pregnancy tumors: If the condition is left untreated, one may suffer from pregnancy tumors, which are formed on the gums. Many women who have gingivitis may have sores in the gums, which grow to form pregnancy tumor, which is very painful but it can be removed easily.
Periodontal disease: It is an advanced stage of gingivitis, in which, the bones or the tissues that support the teeth are damaged and the mouth may have a permanent form of damage. The disease also raises the risks of preterm births.
1. There is no cure but the effect can be reduced if a dentist cleans and scales the teeth, to remove the excess plaque formed on the surface of the teeth. During pregnancy it is advised to go to a dentist at least twice for oral checkup.
2. Take nutritious diet to prevent infections in the teeth and take vitamins needed for healthy gums.
3. Clean the mouth with salt water regularly during pregnancy.
4. Brushing the teeth for at least two to three minutes, two times every day is important to clean the gums and to remove the excess plaque. Take a soft brush to clean the teeth or you can also have a professional cleaning of your teeth.
5. After pregnancy the condition of gums and teeth improves and the swelling may reduce, but in case the condition persists, one should see the doctor.
