Pregnancy Gingivitis: A Comprehensive Guide

The word ‘pregnancy’ rings a thousand bells. Yet a gum infection may not be the first thing that would strike you. But you must know that gingivitis, or gum inflammation affects more than 7 out of 10 pregnant women globally.¹ Gingivitis is a condition where your gums become tender, swollen & red. The surge of hormones during your pregnancy worsens the plaque build-up and results in pregnancy gingivitis.¹ 

So if you are an expecting mother & have noticed soft gums that easily start to bleed, then chances are that you might be suffering from this condition.² In this blog, you will get insights into pregnancy gingivitis, & also discover ways to effectively manage it. 

Let’s start with the causes first.

What Causes Pregnancy Gingivitis?

The main reason to blame for pregnancy gingivitis is the hormonal change your body undergoes during this period. Nevertheless, there are other associated factors as well.^{3 4} Let’s check each one of them:

• Hormonal changes: Estrogen & progesterone hormone levels are heightened when you’re pregnant. And these make your gums inflamed. These hormonal changes also increase your plaque deposits. Gingivitis usually peaks in pregnant women during the 3rd trimester, also a period when the pregnancy hormones are on the rise.³ 
• Disturbed gum dynamics: When you’re pregnant, the hormonal changes also affect the oral microbes, the blood vessels in your gums, and certain cells in your mouth. These, put together, contribute to increased gum redness.³
• Sluggish immune system: During pregnancy, your immune system is suppressed to a certain extent to make sure that it doesn’t attack the baby itself.3 And this could be another reason for this gum inflammation.

All these factors work together and result in gingivitis in pregnancy. Having understood these, let us read more about its signs and symptoms.

What Are The Symptoms Of Pregnancy Gingivitis?

Swollen and inflamed gums are the most common sign of pregnancy gingivitis. But other less common signs include:

• Bleeding during flossing or brushing the teeth.^{4, 6}

• Difficulty in chewing food.⁶

   

• Redness, tenderness, swelling & shine in gums.^{4, 6}

• Halitosis or bad breath.⁴

If you experience any of these symptoms during pregnancy you could be suffering from pregnancy gingivitis. But for a confirmatory diagnosis, get it checked with a dentist. 

How Is Pregnancy Gingivitis Diagnosed?

If you doubt that you might have pregnancy gingivitis, you must visit your dentist and get your gums checked.⁷ First, your dentist will look up your medical history and then they will conduct an oral and periodontal (supporting tissues around your teeth) examination to confirm their findings. Rarely, X-ray exams are done, but this may depend on the severity of the disease.⁴ 

You can’t do much to regulate your hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy. Hence the only way to prevent it is to level up your oral hygiene. Read the next section to understand it better.

How Can We Prevent Pregnancy Gingivitis?

The best way to prevent pregnancy gingivitis is to keep your teeth & gums clean. For the same, adopt the following measures: ⁴

• Have regular dental checkups.
• Maintain a healthy and balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Practise a good dental hygiene routine that calls for regular brushing and flossing of your teeth.
• Limit sugary food and drinks.
• Quit tobacco use.

Having learnt about ways to prevent pregnancy gingivitis, let us explore its treatment options.

How Is Pregnancy Gingivitis Treated?

If the above-mentioned tips don’t work, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to deal with the infection and inflammation. And if the situation worsens, surgery remains the last resort.⁵

Left untreated, gingivitis during pregnancy may lead to certain complications. Keep reading to find out more.

What Are The Complications Of Pregnancy Gingivitis?

While Gingivitis during pregnancy may not sound so alarming at first, stay informed that an untreated case of gingivitis may lead to periodontitis, which is a more serious complication.4 It not only carries the risk of tooth loss but can also lead to preterm birth (delivery of a baby before time) low birth weight baby, and other risks.⁵

Summing It Up

If you are pregnant and suffering from any of the symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis, you must schedule an appointment with your dentist. Do inform them about your pregnancy status so that you’re given the right advice.7

A timely diagnosis & the right treatment can offer much-needed relief & prevent unwelcome consequences for you & your baby.

FAQs

Q1. Is Pregnancy Gingivitis Dangerous For My Baby?

Gingivitis itself is not directly risky to the foetus. But if left untreated, it may result in periodontitis which is linked with adverse birth outcomes.⁴ 

Q2. Is Pregnancy Gingivitis Reversible On Its Own?

Yes, generally gingivitis goes away after the delivery of the baby.⁴

Q3. Is Dental X-Ray Safe For Pregnant Ladies?

If the medical staff takes the necessary precautions, dental X-rays are usually safe during pregnancy.⁴

Q4. How Can We Treat Pregnancy Gingivitis?

The doctors usually treat it with antibiotics and mouthwashes.⁴