Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS
Reading time: five minutes.
Pregnancy brings many changes to your body, and your oral health is no exception.
Many expecting mothers experience pregnancy gingivitis due to hormonal fluctuations, which can affect gum health.
In this blog, we will explain what pregnancy gingivitis is, its symptoms, and how to take care of your dental health to ensure a healthy mouth during pregnancy.
Table of Contents
- What is Pregnancy Gingivitis?
- Pregnancy Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis
- Maintaining Oral Health During Pregnancy
- Dental Visits: Why Regular Check-Ups Are Essential
- Adverse Effects of Untreated Pregnancy Gingivitis
- Take Care of Your Oral Health During Pregnancy – Visit Our San Francisco Dental Office
- FAQs
- References
Key Takeaway
Pregnancy gingivitis is a common, but preventable form of gum disease caused by hormonal changes and plaque buildup during pregnancy. Maintain good oral hygiene, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental exams to protect your gums, prevent complications, and support a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby.
What is Pregnancy Gingivitis?
Pregnancy gingivitis is a form of gum disease that affects pregnant women.
It happens when the gums become inflamed and irritated due to hormonal changes, particularly increased levels of progesterone.
These hormonal shifts result in higher blood flow to the gum tissues, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup, inflammation, and infection. As a result, you may notice your gums turning red, swelling, and feeling tender.
Learn how to tell the difference between healthy and unhealthy gums in this blog: Healthy Gums vs. Unhealthy Gums: How to Tell the Difference
Pregnancy Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis
- Gingivitis is the mild form of gum disease. It typically only affects the gums and can often be reversed with good oral hygiene, professional cleanings, and proper dental care.
- Periodontitis is more severe. It occurs when gingivitis is left untreated and spreads deeper into the supporting structures of your teeth, which can result in tooth loss, gum recession, and bone damage.
How Do You Get Gingivitis During Pregnancy?
Several factors contribute to the development of pregnancy gingivitis:
- Hormonal changes: Increased levels of progesterone and other sex hormones can cause more blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive to plaque buildup and bacterial presence.
- Plaque buildup: Poor oral hygiene allows plaque to accumulate along your gum line, which can irritate gum tissues.
- Diet choices: A diet high in sugary foods and drinks may contribute to tooth decay and plaque buildup, which worsens gingivitis.
- Oral bacteria: Pregnancy often increases the presence of certain oral bacteria, which can exacerbate gum inflammation.
Symptoms of Pregnancy Gingivitis
Be aware of the common symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis, including:
- Swollen gums
- Red or purplish gum tissue
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- Discomfort and tenderness in the gums
- Bad breath
- A sticky film on teeth from plaque buildup
Maintaining Oral Health During Pregnancy
Good oral hygiene and dental care are key in preventing and treating pregnancy gingivitis.
Here are simple but effective ways to keep your gums and teeth healthy during pregnancy:
- Brush twice daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, to remove plaque effectively.
- Floss daily: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque buildup between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach.
- Rinse with mouthwash: Use an antimicrobial or prescription-strength mouthwash if recommended by your dentist. It helps reduce bacteria in your mouth and supports gum health.
- Stay hydrated: Rinse your mouth with a cup of plain water or warm water after meals. This helps remove food particles and prevents plaque buildup.
- Balanced diet: Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, which support overall gum and tooth health. Foods high in vitamin C, calcium, and fiber can strengthen your gums and reduce inflammation.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks: Limit sugary foods, sticky snacks, and sugary drinks, as they contribute to tooth decay and plaque accumulation.
Dental Visits: Why Regular Check-Ups Are Essential
Don’t skip your regular dental visits during pregnancy.
Regular check-ups help your dentist identify and address early signs of gum disease and tooth decay. A professional dental cleaning removes plaque buildup and ensures your gum tissues stay healthy.
Adverse Effects of Untreated Pregnancy Gingivitis
If left untreated, pregnancy gingivitis can have serious consequences:
- Tooth loss: Advanced gum disease may result in loose teeth or tooth loss.
- Periodontal disease: This severe gum condition can cause bone damage and tooth instability.
- Preterm birth and birth weight issues: Poor oral health is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm births and low birth weight babies. [1]
Take Care of Your Oral Health During Pregnancy – Visit Our San Francisco Dental Office
If you are searching for a dentist in San Francisco that is accepting new patients, visit Post St Dental Group or our sister clinic, Young Dental SF Group.
To book an appointment in our dentist office in San Fransico, CA, call (415) 986-4534 or complete our online inquiry form. We are located at 490 Post St. Suite 520.
FAQs
Pregnancy gingivitis usually develops during the second trimester and can worsen as you progress through the weeks of pregnancy. However, in most cases, it improves after delivery. Postpartum hormonal changes help reduce gum inflammation. Still, good oral care and professional dental visits remain vital to ensure your gums stay healthy.
In some cases, expecting mothers may develop pregnancy tumors, also known as pyogenic granulomas. These are non-cancerous growths on the gums, often due to excessive plaque buildup. Although they are usually harmless, they can cause discomfort and bleeding. Regular dental visits and proper oral hygiene can prevent these growths.
No, gingivitis is not contagious. Gingivitis develops primarily due to plaque buildup on your teeth. Bacteria in plaque contribute to gum disease, but these bacteria are already present in your mouth. Gingivitis usually occurs when there’s poor oral hygiene, allowing plaque to accumulate along your gum line, irritating your gums.
References
[1] Han YW. Oral health and adverse pregnancy outcomes – what’s next? J Dent Res. 2011 Mar;90(3):289-93. doi: 10.1177/0022034510381905. Epub 2010 Nov 1. PMID: 21041548; PMCID: PMC3144105. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3144105/#:~:text=The%20potential%20correlation%20has%20been,retardation%2C%20and%20pre%2Declampsia.