Bleeding gums in pregnancy, also known as dental problems, is very common among expecting mothers. For some reasons, such as morning sickness, there are high chances of having frequent gums bleeding when you’re pregnant. So as a pregnant woman you should be prepared to experience the symptoms like never before. Taking extra care of your teeth and gums, including regular dental check-ups, can be of great help to fight bleeding gums in pregnancy and reduce the risk of preterm birth.
Pregnancy brings lots of changes in your body, including hormonal changes that can make your gums more sensitive and susceptible to bleeding. If you’re pregnant and notice blood coming from your gums after brushing or flossing, don’t panic. This is a normal symptom of morning sickness among pregnant women. However, it’s important to visit a dental professional for a dental check and to get the right toothbrush to manage the situation effectively.
When pregnant, it’s crucial to visit your dentist for regular gums examination to ensure the health of your fetus. Taking care of your oral health during pregnancy is vital for both you and your baby. Never ignore symptoms of oral problems, as they could indicate a lack of nutrients that may impact your baby’s future dental health.
Bleeding in gums during pregnancy
Swollen, red and tender gums that bleed when brushed is a mild form of gum disease known as gingivitis. According to BabyCenter more than half of pregnant women have pregnancy gingivitis, due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis makes your gums to be highly sensitive and easily irritated. This can lead to persistent gums bleeding during pregnancy.
Although, gingivitis is is a mild form of gum disease but it can progress into more serious gum disease called periodontitis. However, according to Whattoexpect, untreated gums disease during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight or pre-eclampsia. This is why it’s important to take your oral health seriously. Proper oral health and care during pregnancy will help to prevent oral issues and also keep your baby safe.
These are the basic things dental professionals need to know about bleeding gums in pregnancy. Now, we will look at those things that can cause gums bleeding during pregnancy. You will also learn how to be vigilant in keeping your teeth and gums healthy as a dental professional.
What Causes Bleeding Gums In Pregnancy
1. Poor oral hygiene: bleeding gums can easily occur when you don’t take proper care of your teeth and gums. During pregnancy, having bleeding gums caused by plaque and bacteria is very common. And they can worsen very fast, trust me plaque buildups isn’t what you would like to have. You should try as much as possible to keep plaque and bacteria under control. Always use soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing techniques to avoid causing damages or exerting pressure on your gums.
2. Gingivitis: just like I said earlier, pregnant women are at high risk of developing pregnancy gingivitis. Most pregnant women experience gingivitis in the second or third month of pregnancy. When left untreated it can become more severe during the second and third trimester. Gingivitis makes the gums to easily bleed, swell up and also redden. Women with excellent oral hygiene before pregnancy are at lower risk of having gingivitis. But if your oral care is questionable, then you can have gingivitis any time.
In addition, a severe case of gingivitis or gums disease can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, gums recession, and bone damage. Periodontitis, an advanced form of gingivitis can lead to damage of your gums tissues and the bones that supports your teeth. You can easily develop other dental and health problems from here.
3. Hormonal changes: during pregnancy certain hormones on your body are being tweaked in such a way that they will allow feotus growth. This changes in your body hormones can affect the normal functioning of your immune system. Certain immune cells in your body are being made inactive so that they don’t attack your child. This leaves your body susceptible to infections and bacteria attacks. Moreover, allowing plaque and harmful bacteria to accumulate on your mouth during pregnancy is never a good thing. Due to the condition of your body immune system it can put you at higher risk of gum disease.
How to prevent bleeding gums during pregnancy
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Regular visits to your dentist: when pregnant, it’s advisable that you visit your dentist regularly for checkups. He can help you to monitor gingivitis, early detection and treatments is very important. If you’re already experiencing bleeding gums, your dentist can recommend suitable treatment to reduce recurrences.
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Avoid acidic and surgary foods: taking lots of sugary food and drinks, especially in between meals or before going to bed. Increases the rate of harmful bacteria and plaque accumulation on your teeth and gums. Candy, cookies, chocolate, soda and juice are some few examples of these sugary foods. Acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits juice aren’t healthy for your teeth and gums either. Even if you must take these types of foods and drinks, moderation is very important. Always ensure that you brush of floss after taking such foods or drinks to avoid bacteria growth.
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Take lots of vitamins and minerals: vitamins and minerals are essential for maintaining a healthy teeth and gums. Deficiency of vitamins or minerals in your body can result to persistent bleeding gums in pregnancy. As a pregnant woman getting enough vitamin C and calcium is very essential. They play significant roles in keeping your gums healthy, preventing gums bleeding and infections. Always ensure that your meals are balanced. Take meals that can boost your immune system regularly.
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Regular brushing and flossing: daily brushing and flossing can go a long way in reducing the amount of bacteria in your mouth to the lowest minimum. Brushing and flossing with antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwash at least twice a day can help to prevent gums bleeding.
Final Thoughts
I think it’s safe to say that bleeding gums may be a normal part of pregnancy. Due to hormonal changes, pregnancy makes your gums to be more sensitive and easily inflamed. Bacteria in plaque can easily cause more inflammation on your gums, making you more susceptible to gums disease. Poor oral care can result to pregnancy gingivitis, although it can also be caused by hormonal changes.
All the methods of preventing bleeding gums that I listed above are all helpful. Regular visits to your dentist can help to detect early symptoms of gums disease. In severe cases antibiotics and safe medications for bleeding gums during pregnancy can be recommended.
Richard Smith is a Registered Nutritionist and also a Health Speaker. Richard Smith graduated from The City University of New York. You can learn more about him by Visiting His LinkedIn Page or Follow him on Twitter.
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