How to Deal with Pregnancy Gingivitis

During pregnancy, the body changes in innumerable ways; one change you likely didn’t expect is developing pregnancy gingivitis. This type of gingivitis affects between 60 to 75 percent of pregnant people. Pregnancy gingivitis is very similar to regular gingivitis.

Causes of Pregnancy Gingivitis

During pregnancy, the body produces higher levels of a hormone called progesterone. Higher levels of progesterone result in an increased response to plaque-forming bacteria. As the reaction to bacteria gets stronger, plaque builds faster and therefore will progress to gingivitis quicker. This is why pregnant people have an increased risk of developing gingivitis.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis include gums that:

• Are red, swollen, or tender

• Bleed after brushing or flossing

• Have a shiny surface

You may also experience bad breath that persists even after you brush your teeth. Symptoms commonly worsen during the second trimester and may continue for the remainder of the pregnancy.

Will Pregnancy Gingivitis Harm My Baby’s Health?

No evidence has been found that gingivitis will harm your baby. However, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, which is linked to early delivery and low birth weight. Periodontitis is when the gums become inflamed and begin to pull away from the tooth surface. The pockets that result from this can become infected and then the tooth can fall out.

Treating Pregnancy Gingivitis

The best treatment is visiting the dentist for a cleaning, at least twice a year, but it might be necessary to go more frequently.

Here are some things you can do at home to lessen your chance of getting pregnancy gingivitis:

• Brush your teeth twice a day

• Floss once a day

• Use a mouthwash

For guidance in managing your pregnancy gingivitis, call Ridge View Dental. We look forward to helping you!