Gingivitis is a gum illness characterized by the inflammation and injury of the gums. Pregnancy gingivitis will happen due to hormonal changes, additionally to the regular reasons for gingivitis. In this article, we will discuss pregnancy gingivitis. We will talk about the symptoms of gum disease during pregnancy, causes and treatment options.
Read More: Dental Problems and Dental Care during Pregnancy
In this article:
Symptoms of Pregnancy Gingivitis
Treatment for Pregnancy Gingivitis
Prevention of Pregnancy Gingivitis
Natural Remedies for Pregnancy Gingivitis
All You Need to Know About Pregnancy Gingivitis
Symptoms of Pregnancy Gingivitis
Changes in gums may appear after the second month of pregnancy or by the end of the first trimester. Some of the common signs and symptoms of gum disease throughout pregnancy are:
- Inflammation of the gums or gingiva.
- The inflamed gums may appear red (erythema), puffy, and swollen.
- Bleeding from the inflamed gingival tissue, especially while brushing the teeth.
- The high progestin and steroid levels might enhance the expansion of certain microorganisms responsible for inflicting gingivitis throughout pregnancy. The gum may additionally become more susceptible to plaque formation, leading to injury gums.
- The injury and swollen gums may additionally result from an enhanced blood flow throughout pregnancy.
- Calcium deficiency might contribute towards tenderness and hemorrhage of gums.
- An increase in the intake of sugary foods may add to the risk of tender gums.
- Smoking can affect your oral health as well as your overall health.
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Treatment for Pregnancy Gingivitis
The treatment can depend upon the severity of the injury gums. The following are some treatment methods that your dentist may recommend:
- Topical treatment methods like medicated mouthwash and toothpaste can help ease the condition. Use the mouthwash or toothpaste prescribed by the dentist. You can also consult your obstetrician to learn more about the safety of the medicines.
- Deep cleanup by a tooth doctor may help remove plaque that caused the injury. The dentist can use techniques like scaling and root planing. A laser may also be used to remove plaque, as this procedure leads to less bleeding.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed in the case of severe infections. The dentist may prescribe an antibiotic such as amoxicillin or penicillin after considering its safety during pregnancy.
According to a paper published in the Journal of Dental Sciences of China, if the condition is mostly painless, then clinical observation and oral self-care may help keep the problem in check. Do not self-medicate and only have medicine after consulting a dentist.
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Prevention of Pregnancy Gingivitis
Practicing smart oral hygiene goes a long way in preventing bleeding gums and different gum diseases throughout the pregnancy. Here is what you can do to keep your gums healthy.
- Pregnant or not, make it a habit to brush your teeth at least twice daily, once in the morning and again before going to bed at night. Also, floss once a daily.
- Use a good quality toothbrush with soft bristles to minimize irritation to the gums.
- While pregnancy cravings are inevitable, limit the intake of foods that are high in sugar content, such as pastries, cookies, ice-cream, and sweets. These foods can increase the risk of dental caries (cavities).
- Research suggests that stress throughout pregnancy will weaken the maternal system, making the woman susceptible to periodontal diseases. Stress might not invariably cause gum illness, but it is still good to stay relaxed and stress-free when you are pregnant.
Along with self-care, get regular dental checkups from a dentist. Experts recommend visiting a dentist at least once during pregnancy. It will facilitate early detection of any dental problem throughout pregnancy.
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Natural Remedies for Pregnancy Gingivitis
Some natural substances have been in use for gum disease. These methods are backed by anecdotal evidence and individual experiences and may not have substantial scientific evidence. Here are some such natural remedies. However, do not use any of them without consulting a doctor.
- A research study noted that tea may help subside the inflammation of gums caused by a microorganism. Regular tea consumption might help promote smart dental health. However, it notes that the tactic “should be applied with caution to avoid side-effects.” Therefore, ask your doctor if you can use green tea during pregnancy.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends saltwater rinsing of the mouth to subdue irritation of the gums. Add one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water and use it as a mouthwash to rinse the mouth once or twice daily.
- People also use water mixed with tea tree oil to rinse their mouths. This solution might help control the microorganism growth and cut back inflammation of the gums. However, consult a doctor before using tea tree oil.
Follow a healthy diet plan as vitamin deficiency may also have its impact on your oral health.
Read More: 11 Natural Remedies to Treat Abscessed Tooth in Child
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4385665/
