Pregnancy is a beautiful journey of nurturing a baby in your womb. However, one of the most neglected issues would be poor oral health in some pregnant women. About half of the mothers-to-be are likely to suffer from gum or periodontal disease during pregnancy. As a result of hormonal changes and relatively poor dental hygiene, gums tend to be excessively sensitive during pregnancy, causing problems like gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (inflammation extending to the alveolar bone). This is a chronic inflammatory destruction of the soft and hard tissues supporting the tooth [1].
Saliva, food, and bacteria form a coating on your teeth called plaque and make your gums prone to bleeding. The gums become red and swollen and may exhibit extreme sensitivity. Let us help you decode everything about gum disease during pregnancy.
In This Article
- Symptoms of Gum Diseases During Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Gingivitis
- Causes of Gum Diseases During Pregnancy
- Gum Diseases and Premature Birth
- Prevention of Tooth Decay During Pregnancy
- FAQs
Symptoms of Gum Diseases During Pregnancy
Gum inflammation generally strikes between the 3rd and 8th month of pregnancy. Vomiting during pregnancy also makes the acids from the stomach corrode the teeth. If the gums are left without cleaning then they start affecting the underlying jawbone, causing periodontitis. This condition can lead to early labor or a poor birth weight of the baby, making pregnancy all the more complicated. Women who are already struggling with dental problems may just feel that pregnancy has made oral health worse. According to research studies, about 40% of pregnant women will have some form of gum disease [2].Gum disease is 1.8 to 2.2 times more prevalent among pregnant than non-pregnant women [3]. The usual symptoms of gum diseases are red gums that may bleed when you brush, severe sensitivity, and pain. These symptoms can further aggravate swelling and bleeding of gum tissue [4].
Some of the common symptoms of gum diseases during pregnancy include:
- Gum inflammation, redness, and soreness
- Bad mouth odor or taste develops
- Toothache due to increased risk of dental decay [4]
- Growth of any kind in the mouth – could indicate the formation of a pregnancy tumor – which is in fact a strong term for a harmless inflammatory reaction to local irritation. They generally disappear post-pregnancy or may need a small surgical removal in a few cases.
Pregnancy Gingivitis
The increased levels of progesterone during pregnancy puts pregnant women at a higher risk of developing dental problems as it causes an exaggerated response to plaque bacteria. Gingivitis is common in women during months 3 to 8 of pregnancy, and even though you may follow a healthy oral care routine, you still run at a risk of developing gingivitis during pregnancy [5].
It is much advisable to see a dentist prior to conception, however, if you miss out on that then you need to tell your dentist when you conceive- so that he can schedule your appointments accordingly. Dental cleanings during the second or early third trimester will help you deal with gingivitis.
[Read: Progesterone During Pregnancy]
Causes of Gum Diseases During Pregnancy
There are several reasons, which can result in poor dental health. Here are some of those:
- Improper oral hygiene allows bacteria in plaque and calculus to remain on the teeth and infect the gums [6].
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause gum tissues to react more severely to foreign matter[4].
- Stress during pregnancy can also trigger the formation of bacteria [7].
- High carbohydrates and improper food nutrition or intake of more sugary food cause gingivitis. And during the time of pregnancy, the common causes of dental health problems are cravings for sugary products, vomiting, and retching while brushing teeth [4].
Gum Diseases and Premature Birth
Significant studies have shown a link between poor dental hygiene and premature birth. Researchers of one study who published their results in The Journal of the American Dental Association found that pregnant women with chronic gum disease were four to seven times more likely to deliver prematurely (before gestational week 37) and underweight babies than mothers with healthy gums[1].
However, it is not yet been established if treating gum diseases reduces the risk of premature or low-weight birth.
[Read: 6 Home remedies for vomiting during pregnancy]
Prevention of Tooth Decay During Pregnancy
The bottom rule is that you should follow good dental hygiene to avoid or mitigate oral health issues. Here is a gist of certain pregnancy-related problems that can adversely affect your dental hygiene.
- Morning sickness or feeling of nausea in the morning can keep some expectant mothers away from brushing. Using bland-tasting toothpaste can simplify your discomfort. Rinse your mouth with either water or mouth rinses if you suffer from vomiting or morning sickness.
- Eat the right type of food to keep your teeth and your baby healthy. Shun sugary snacks and drink a lot of water, and dairy foods such as yogurt, cheese, and milk. Dairy products are rich in essential minerals and are helpful in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Dental issues in pregnancy require care and concern[4].
- Dental cleanings during pregnancy should be done only at the hands of an expert dentist. Rising levels of hormones during pregnancy can cause gums to swell, trap food and even bleed. Taking vitamin C can treat the condition.
- If you require dental work like crowns or cavity fillings, get it done during the second trimester. Postpone all unnecessary or cosmetic dental work till delivery. Only emergency dental work such as tooth extraction or root canal can be done during pregnancy [4]. After all, it is best to put a developing baby at any risk however minimal it is.
- A daily oral care regime is a huge must. Brushing twice and flossing at least before going to bed really helps [4].
- Avoid food cravings that make you head the sweet way.
- Use a solution of salt in warm water to rinse your teeth.
- Avoid fizzy and sugary drinks.
- Never brush your teeth after vomiting, instead rub some toothpaste on the teeth to freshen up.
Do not fret! You are not alone in facing gum disease during pregnancy. Gum changes are a common manifestation during your pregnancy journey. However, knowing the early signs and getting dental care on time is crucial to halt the disease progression and prevent further deterioration to safeguard your and your baby’s health. A balanced diet, a good oral care routine, and a bit of awareness can help you at least deal with gum problems, if not prevent them.
Happy Pregnancy!
Read Also: 10 Natural Remedies To Get Relief From Toothache During Pregnancy
FAQs
1. Does Gum Disease Go Away After Pregnancy?
When progesterone production increases during pregnancy, it increases blood flow to the mouth and makes the gums more susceptible to infection from germs. Gum disease during pregnancy usually clears up after giving birth.
2. What Does Pregnancy Gingivitis Look Like?
If you have pregnancy gum disease, once you brush your teeth they bleed. The gums become red, swollen, and puffy. Another issue that accompanies pregnancy gum disease is poor breadth.
3. What Does Gingivitis Smell Like?
Your breath may smell like sulfur or rotten eggs if you have gingivitis. This is due to microorganisms in your mouth producing compounds that smell similar to these substances.
4. How Quickly Does Gum Disease Progress?
The progression of gum disease is slow but steady. It only takes four days for plaque to reach its maximum extent.
References
- Periodontal disease in pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes: Progress in related mechanisms and management strategies
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9640773/ - Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy Outcomes: Time to Move On
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3270055/ - Prevalence, Severity of Extension, and Risk Factors of Gingivitis in a 3-Month Pregnant Population: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10179599/ - Oral care in pregnancy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6883753/ - Knowledge of Pregnant Women about Pregnancy Gingivitis and Children Oral Health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6777164/ - Periodontal disease: Repercussions in pregnant woman and newborn health—A cohort study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6874354/ - Relationship between Gingival Inflammation and Pregnancy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4385665/
