Bleeding gums during pregnancy

The child’s teeth begin to develop during pregnancy, so the diverse, balanced nutrition and general health of the mother are important.

Healthy mother - healthy baby!

Similarly to the transformations that future mothers’ body undergoes, changes also occur in the oral cavity. Therefore, maintaining good teeth and gum health before, during and after pregnancy is crutial. Because a healthy mother means a healthy baby!

Is it normal to have bleeding gums during pregnancy?

Physiological changes during pregnancy also lead to changes in the oral cavity.

• Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy also affect the tissues in the oral cavity similar to all other tissues and organs during this period. Because of these, gums become more susceptible to bacterial irritation in the plaque.
• Future mothers notice swelling, redness, sensation and bleeding gums when brushing, eating and even spontaneously. This condition is known as "gingivitis during pregnancy" and can begin as early as the 2nd or 3rd lunar month and lasts until about the 8th month.
• Since changes in progesterone and estragon levels can not be avoided, the only other option is to affect the amount of dental plaque by improving oral hygiene and visiting a dentist for examination every 6 months, or more frequently, if a professional oral hygiene is necessary.
• Untreated gingivitis may develop into periodontitis, which affects not only the gum, but also the whole tissue complex that surrounds and supports the tooth. Moreover, this can result in loose teeth, tooth loss and serious inflammation.

The increased risk of pre-eclampsia, prematurity and preterm birth is associated with gum disease.

Does the health of your mouth affect your pregnancy? Should future mothers have healthy gums and teeth?

Oral health is an important component of general health. It has an effect on diabetes, cardiovascular and other diseases and influences pregnancy.

Some studies have shown that pregnant women with periodontal disease have increased the risk of prematurity and preterm birth.

Other studies have shown a correlation between periodontitis and the increased risk of pre-eclampsia.

We advise women who consider becoming mothers to visit their dentist for examination, professional oral hygiene, and treatment of all problems in the oral cavity even before pregnancy.

How should pregnant women look after their gums and teeth?

• In order to maintain good oral hygiene, pregnant women should wash their teeth in the morning and at bedtime with a toothpaste containing fluoride and use floss and interdental brushes every day.
• Good oral hygiene can be a great challenge if you have morning nausea and vomiting. We recommend using a small head size and soft hair brush to make reaching the distal teeth easier. If the toothpaste’s taste provokes nausea, replace it. Alternatively, if you do not find a suitable paste, tooth brushing should be only with water. Thereafter rinse with fluoride containing mouthwash. Return to the fluoride toothpaste as soon as you can.
• Tooth brushing immediately after vomiting could damage the enamel and teeth become sensitive, that’s why it is good to just rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. Afterwards, brush your teeth no earlier than an hour.
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate salivation.
• Visit your dentist for prophylaxis and professional oral hygiene.
• Keep a balanced diet.