Bleeding gums during pregnancy: How to take care of oral health

Dental care has an important role in pre, during, and post-pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can commonly cause bleeding gums during pregnancy, puffy gums, swelling of gums as well as tooth sensitivity. Pregnancy hormones progesterone in your body and make your gums more susceptible to bleeding while flossing or brushing. Oral care during pregnancy is most important for the development of the baby’s teeth and bones which starts in the 5^th and 6^th weeks of pregnancy.

Effects | Pregnancy gingivitis | Gum bleeding problem | Dental treatment | Cravings | Pregnancy tumors |  Morning sickness | Tips

Why is gingivitis more common in pregnancy? 

The level of two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, increases during pregnancy. Gums start to bleed while brushing. Collagen is most important for gum health. It repairs our gums from gum problems, but hormonal changes during pregnancy start to disturb and affect it. As a result, we face gum bleeding. So, the basic reason for gingivitis in pregnancy is hormonal changes that disturb collagen repair working in our gums.

Poor oral hygiene maintenance is another reason for pregnancy gingivitis, which includes timely brushing and flossing. The third reason for pregnancy gingivitis is for those ladies who were already facing calculus and gums problems before pregnancy. After becoming pregnant this problem will promote major gum diseases.

Is dental treatment safe during pregnancy? 

Yes, dental treatment is safe during pregnancy. The basic treatment for most gum problems during pregnancy is scaling, which is safe. Complete dental checkups and scaling are a must during pregnancy so that this disease doesn’t increase.

Take proper care of your oral hygiene at home: 

Night brushing 

Warm saline rinses 

Flossing  

Take care of your oral hygiene, especially during pregnancy, it will keep many diseases away and they become worse if you ignore them. 

Cravings: 

Pregnancy can make you crave food like pickles and ice cream. Which are terrible for your teeth, ranging from highly acidic to surgery. It is important to brush and floss after each meal to prevent plaque buildup or gum disease. 

Pregnancy tumors: 

During the second trimester of the pregnancy, you may develop small, benign masses between the teeth as a result of hormonal shifts. They may fade after giving birth, you can visit a dentist to remove them. 

Morning sickness: 

Morning nausea, heartburn, and reflux during pregnancy can be difficult enough to endure. However, it is important to remember the permanent effects that regurgitated acids can have on your teeth. Acid deteriorates enamel increasing the risk of decay. 

Tips: 

• If your pregnancy has just started or you are planning for it. You should visit a dental clinic for a complete checkup of your teeth and gums during the initial phases of pregnancy. There is not only a gingivitis problem during pregnancy but also you may have cavities or carries. Always get a dental checkup done before you plan your pregnancy to avoid the prevention of swear type of gum disease. 
• Nonemergency dental should be avoided during pregnancy. Increase your calcium intake. 
• Take consult your dentist before taking any pills for dental pain. Dental procedures are safe for 4-6 months. 
• Smoking during pregnancy is not good for you or your unborn baby. It can lead to gum problems. So, avoid smoking during pregnancy.