PREGNANCY GINGIVITIS: SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS DURING PREGNANCY

Approved and reviewed by Dr. Lee, a dental professional of over 35 years. LEARN MORE

Dr Robert Lee

Dr Robert Lee is a dentist with more than thirty years of experience in the industry.

Graduating from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and from the University of New South Wales with a Master of Business Administration, Robert’s career has taken him all over the world – from Australia to Germany to his current position in Chicago, where he is the founder of Denticus Inc., offering strategic dental consulting.

Robert has previously worked for Procter & Gamble as the Director of Professional Scientific Relations in both the Cincinnati and Sydney offices, being responsible for external relations and scientific exchange with leading professional associations and industry thought leaders. He was also responsible for all technical and scientific training for the professional teams in North America and Australia.

Robert has been assisting the team at Oral-B by fact-checking and reviewing our blogs on dental health. You can find a list of the blogs Robert has approved below:

SEE MORE

• Receding Gums: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
• What are Dental Caries? Treatments, Signs, and Symptoms
• Dental Scaling and Root Planing Explained
• Sensitive Teeth: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
• Types of Gum Disease: Stages, Factors & Related Conditions
• Cavity Treatments: What are Ways to Treat Cavities?
• Tooth Plaque and Dental Tartar
• What is Periodontitis? Treatments, Signs, and Symptoms
• Tooth Decay and Cavities: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
• Bad Breath (Halitosis): Causes, Remedies, and Treatments

SEE LESS

• What is Pregnancy Gingivitis?
• Pregnancy Gingivitis Causes
• Pregnancy Gingivitis Symptoms
• WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO MANAGE PREGNANCY GINGIVITIS?
• Pregnancy Gingivitis Treatments and Prevention
• Improve Your Oral Care During Pregnancy

What is Pregnancy Gingivitis?

During pregnancy, about half of all women (60 to 70 percent) experience a condition called pregnancy gingivitis.

Pregnancy gingivitis is caused by a rise in the hormone progesterone which can contribute to an increase in the flow of blood to gum tissues making them sensitive, swollen and more likely to bleed when you brush and floss. These hormonal changes can make it easier for certain gingivitis-causing bacteria to grow and can make gum tissues more tender. While pregnancy gingivitis can occur anytime between the second and eighth month, it’s usually most severe during the second trimester.

Pregnancy Gingivitis Causes

Pregnant women are at increased risk for periodontal disease because the increased levels of progesterone hormone that come with pregnancy cause an increased response to plaque bacteria in the mouth.

Pregnancy Gingivitis Symptoms

If you’re pregnant, your dental professional needs to know about the first signs of gingivitis symptoms. Gingivitis is most common during months two to eight of pregnancy. Tell your dental professional when you are pregnant—he or she may recommend more frequent dental cleanings during the second trimester or early in the third trimester to help combat the effects of increased progesterone and help you avoid gingivitis. This extra plaque may cause swelling, bleeding, redness and/or tenderness in the gums. As a result, pregnant women are more likely to develop gingivitis even if they follow a consistent oral health care routine.

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WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO MANAGE PREGNANCY GINGIVITIS?

Managing pregnancy gingivitis is important so that it doesn’t progress into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis can lead to serious oral health problems that could require surgery or lead to tooth loss. Your overall health – as well as the health of your baby – can be affected by the health of your teeth and gums. Some research has even shown a connection between poor gum health and premature delivery.

Pregnancy Gingivitis Treatments and Prevention

With the right oral care routine, you can prevent and even reverse early signs of gum disease. Join Pamper’s Club to learn more about how hormones can impact oral health during pregnancy and get personalized recommendations for a healthier smile.

To control the amount of plaque in your mouth and to prevent gingivitis, follow these steps to reduce the bacteria that can lead to pregnancy gingivitis.

Steps to Prevent Pregnancy Gingivitis

• Brush thoroughly at least twice a day , preferably in the morning and at night with an electric toothbrush like the Oral-B iO2 to remove 100% more plaque than a regular manual
• Take your time; you should spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth
• Be sure to use anti-plaque toothpaste to help protect your teeth from decay and gingivitis like Crest Gum Detoxify
• Rinse thoroughly after brushing to get rid of bacteria in hard-to-reach places
• Remember to floss daily to help avoid the build-up of bacteria
• Pair regular string floss with an oral irrigator like the Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced to help remove plaque bacteria* for healthier gums
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet; be sure that you are getting enough calcium, vitamins D, C and A, phosphorous and protein.
• Avoid sugary snacks
• Continue to visit your dental professional regularly (once it is safe for the baby)

* Helps reduce plaque bacteria and inflammatory components associated with gingivitis, when used as an adjunct to brushing, flossing and regular professional care.

Improve Your Oral Care During Pregnancy

Maintaining the health of your teeth and gums is necessary to avoid the risk of developing pregnancy gingivitis and to get you on the path to better long-term oral health. By investing in a rechargeable electric toothbrush, you can begin to take the steps to reduce the amount of plaque in your mouth and prevent the onset of gum disease.

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