Pregnancy gingivitis is very common but treatable.
Pregnancy may cause between 60-75% of women to have gingivitis which is an early stage of periodontal disease. This may come from a change in hormones and an increase in estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy. If Gingivitis is not treated it can lead to Periodontal disease which can lead to bone loss and infection which in turn could put you at a higher risk of premature delivery and having a baby with low birth weight.
Main Symptoms of Pregnancy Gingivitis include
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Swelling of the gums
- Tenderness
Pregnancy can also put women at risk for decay due to the changes in their eating habits. Women can also transmit this bacteria from their mouth to the mouth of their baby. This could eventually lead to early childhood cavities.
Managing Pregnancy Gingivitis
- Brushing 2x daily
- Flossing at night
- Gargling with warm salt water to help the swelling
Preventing Pregnancy Gingivitis and Decay
- Brushing 2x daily
- Flossing at night
- Schedule your dental cleaning while pregnant
- Eating a healthy diet
- Lower sugar intake
