Pregnancy gingivitis is a common gum disease observed in many pregnant women. It is characterized by swollen and tender gums. Here’s more about this condition.
In general, a pregnant woman experiences many symptoms. When a woman becomes pregnant, there are lots of hormonal changes; for example, hormones like estrogen and progesterone are secreted in large amounts and are responsible for affecting the physical and mental health. Among the many symptoms, pregnancy gingivitis is a common condition occurring in about 50 percent of pregnant women worldwide.
In pregnant woman, the kidney retains more water for nourishing the placenta. The stored fluid is then spread to other body parts, including the gums, hence resulting in puffy gums. Usually, gingivitis is developed between the second to the eight month of pregnancy. Women who already have gingivitis are at a higher risk when pregnant.
Symptoms and Treatment of Gestation Gingivitis
Notable symptoms are swelling, inflammation, puffiness, and tenderness of the gums. It may be associated with discomfort and pain. Bleeding of the gums may occur while brushing the teeth. In case bleeding of gum tissues takes place without aggravating the affected part, then it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The affected gums appear red in color.
The best way to prevent pregnancy gingivitis is to follow a good oral hygiene. Since this condition is caused by bacteria present in the mouth, oral hygiene prevents development of gingivitis. There is no doubt that the increased level of progesterone hormone may aggravate the condition. Progesterone increases the chances of plaque formation in the gum tissues, thus making them more susceptible to gingivitis causing bacteria.
Brush the teeth twice a day along with flossing at least once a day. You should take extra care of your oral health during pregnancy and practice the correct methods of brushing and flossing. For rinsing the mouth, you should opt for an antimicrobial mouth rinse. If you are not sure of the safety of an antimicrobial rinse, you can consult with your gynecologist.
Other effective tips include drinking adequate amount of water and fruit juices to keep the body well hydrated. You can chew sugarless chewing gum, so as to increase saliva secretion, which in turn will reduce acidity and bacterial growth. It is always recommended to opt for regular dental checkups so as to avoid any oral problems.
Pregnancy gingivitis is harmless, if treated in the early stages. If left untreated, there are chances of it progressing to a periodontal disease. It is claimed that there is a relation between gum disease and premature delivery. As per studies, pregnant women with chronic gum diseases have higher chances of premature delivery than expecting mothers with healthy gums.
