Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy
Bleeding gums during pregnancy is a very common symptom that many mothers go through. A mother’s oral health is important for their overall health and the baby’s health.
This article will outline the cause of bleeding gums during pregnancy, the healing process, and how to decrease bacteria activity in your mouth and improve gum health.
Table of Contents
The Cause of Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy
Hormones play a large influence in your pregnancy and oral health. Estrogen and Progesterone contribute to the physical and emotional changes taking place in your body during pregnancy.
Progesterone levels increase and lead to bleeding gums during pregnancy. Although this is not enjoyable by any means, it’s also quite common. Common symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis are:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Swollen gums that appear red and irritated
- Gums that are tender and sensitive
- Bad breath
Healing Pregnancy Gingivitis
Healing pregnancy gingivitis is important to the mother’s and baby’s health. Gingivitis is a completely treatable condition and is no reason to panic. Here are the best things you can do to help heal bleeding gums during your pregnancy:
- Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing your teeth daily is important to remove food, plaque, and bacteria from your mouth. Brush 2 times a day for 2 minutes and floss at least every night.
- Anti-gingivitis dental products like certain toothpastes and mouthwashes contain active ingredients to help target the bacteria that aid bleeding gums.
- Dental Cleanings: Your dental hygienist will remove the food, plaque, and bacteria on the teeth and in the surrounding gum pockets. This will help heal the gum tissue and decrease bleeding gums during pregnancy.
- Visiting the dentist for cleanings every 4 months instead of every 6 may be needed to effectively heal the gums.
- Increase Water Intake: Frequent sips of water helps neutralize bacteria, wash away acid, prevent dry mouth, and keep you hydrated. Drinking water throughout the day will help reduce bleeding gums during pregnancy and after.
For more home care tips, check out our Healthly Smile Guide.
Possible Complications from Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy
Gingivitis can have serious side effects if it’s not properly treated in a timely manner whether you are pregnant or not. A complication that can come from gingivitis is that it can lead to a more severe gum disease called periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a later stage of periodontal disease that leads to bone loss and the creation of harmful bacteria. It has been labeled a risk factor for preterm birth or low birthweight due to the harmful bacteria that is created.
The best thing you can do is simply call your dentist if you suspect that you have gingivitis. It’s very treatable and is no reason to panic. Continue to practice the good overall oral health routine that we outlined above and keep your dentist updated.
Other Common Symptoms that Can Effect Your Oral health
- Dry Mouth: Dry mouth during pregnancy is a common symptom that many expecting mothers go through. Causes of dry mouth during pregnancy are hormone changes, dehydration, and gestational diabetes.
- Decreased saliva increases the bacteria activity in the mouth. This can contribute to pregnancy gingivitis and bleeding gums during pregnancy.
- Morning Sickness: Around 70% of mothers experience morning sickness at some point in their pregnancy.
- Vomiting splashes acid on the teeth and makes the mouth more acidic. This can weaken the enamel layer of the teeth and increase the risk of cavities and tooth sensitivity.
- Pregnancy Food Cravings: Hormonal changes can make pregnant mothers crave food and eat more frequently throughout the day. For some mothers, eating can help soothe morning sickness.
- Frequently eating feeds bacteria longer increasing their harmful activity in the mouth. This can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Our Healthiest Food for Teeth article can help you pick out the best food and beverages to keep your smile strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stop my gums from bleeding during pregnancy?
Bleeding gums during pregnancy are caused by the hormonal changes that expecting mothers go through. Daily brushing and flossing are key to improving pregnancy gingivitis. Consult your dental hygienist and dentist if you’re having trouble healing the gums.
Can gingivitis harm my baby?
Having poor oral health and gingivitis increases harmful bacteria activity in the mouth. This bacteria can travel in the bloodstream and trigger low birth weight and pre-term labor. Gingivitis can also be harmful to the mother. Gum disease is linked to heart disease, respiratory diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Will pregnancy gingivitis go away?
Pregnancy gingivitis will not go away on its own and may not stop postpartum. It takes good oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings to reduce any bleeding gums during pregnancy.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
