Pregnancy Gingivitis

Bleeding gums are so common during pregnancy that many people believe this is normal.

It isn't.

Pregnancy gingivitis is the same as any other gingivitis. Gums become red, swollen and tender because they are being irritated and damaged by bacterial plaque on the teeth. Elevated hormone levels make your body REACT more strongly to this irritation when you are pregnant - but they do not CAUSE it.

No plaque = no problem.

So the answer is, as is often the case: practise meticulous oral hygiene. For a start, you must brush thoroughly - even though this is likely to increase the bleeding in the short term. It does this because the sensitized gums react to contact from the brush - but, unless you remove the plaque that is causing the problem, the situation will not improve. You must also clean between your teeth using dental floss or interdental brushes if you have sufficient space to get them in. Your dentist or hygienist will advise you and devise a programme tailored to your specific needs.

Visit your dentist regularly (whether or not you are pregnant) and respond quickly to any bleeding because periodontal problems (i.e. problems of the structures that support the teeth) are progressive - and they ALWAYS leave you in a worse state than you were in before you had a problem. The damage may progress quickly or slowly - but it is permanent. Nip it in the bud immediately you notice a problem. Time is an expert at taking everything away from you and it doesn't need your help - especially when you're in the process of bringing new life into the world.