Gingivitis in pregnancy. What to do and how to prevent it.

Gingivitis in pregnancy. What to do?

A dentist appointment probably isn't high on the list of pregnant women 's priorities, yet it should because hormonal changes that occur during the nine months can damage oral health and increase the risk of gum inflammation. What to do about gingivitis in pregnancy and how can it be prevented?

What is it?

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum tissues mainly caused by the accumulation of plaque and the formation of tartar. The bacteria normally present inside the mouth can proliferate in some circumstances, such as poor oral hygiene, but also in the case of diabetes, smoking or, precisely, pregnancy, and favor gum inflammation.

Symptoms

Symptoms of gingivitis include:

• swelling

• gum bleeding

• red gums

• bad breath

Why are we more prone to gum inflammation during pregnancy?

One of the main causes of the increased risk of gingivitis gravidarum is linked to the hormonal changes that occur in this period: gum inflammation most commonly occurs between the second and the first month of pregnancy, and the risk increases especially in the third trimester.

Causes

The increase in progesterone levels, which makes the teeth more susceptible to the development of bacterial plaque, favors the risk of gum inflammation during pregnancy. Progesterone is a fundamental hormone from the early stages of pregnancy: it serves to ensure the correct nesting of the fertilized egg and then to make the fetus grow and develop. Precisely progesterone increases the amount of blood that flows into the gingival, thus causing hypersensitivity and also a greater risk of inflammation.

How to deflate gums in pregnancy

Among the most used grandmother's remedies there are certainly compresses with warm water and chamomile, but also gargling with salt which can be effective for deflating inflamed gums.

What to do for gingivitis?

In case of gingivitis, the dentist, in agreement with the gynecologist, may prescribe oral therapy with antibiotics and mouthwashes, which perform an antibacterial action, help reduce swelling and inflammation. The use of mouthwash is also useful in case of mild gingival inflammation. If left untreated, gingivitis can degenerate into periodontitis, a more advanced stage of gum disease that can spread to the bone. Periodontitis can increase the risk of preterm birth or low birth weight and promote sac formation in the gums and tooth loss.

Oral hygiene advice. What to do to prevent?

Finally, it is essential to schedule a visit to the dentist in the second or third trimester to assess the condition of the gums. At the same time it is very important to take care of oral hygiene and protect teeth and gums.

• Cleaning the teeth: they should be washed at least twice a day with a toothpaste with fluoride which provides an additional barrier of protection and using a soft bristle brush, which does not irritate the already sensitive gums, or an electric toothbrush. In addition, dental floss should be used once a day to remove food residues and bacteria that accumulate between teeth. Another useful ally to prevent gingivitis in pregnancy is mouthwash, which in most cases contains natural antibacterial and anti-plaque ingredients that prevent inflammation, freshen the breath and help eliminate bits of food and other substances.

• Follow a healthy diet: this is common sense advice that is always valid and even more so during pregnancy, but it also serves to keep teeth and gums in good health. Fruit and vegetables, dairy products, whole grains and especially water should be included in the usual diet. Instead, fatty foods should be limited, and foods rich in starches and sugars should also be used to prevent tooth decay and dental problems.

• Visit to the dentist: One of the best ways to prevent gingivitis in pregnancy is to stay in close contact with your dentist. Check-ups should not be suspended during pregnancy and, on the contrary, more frequent visits can be scheduled during the second and third trimesters. In addition, during pregnancy, benign lumps can form on the gums that can bleed and cause discomfort, generally disappear after giving birth, otherwise the dentist can remove them.