Pregnancy Gingivitis
Dec 2008
Q: My wife is six months pregnant and her gums bleed a lot when she brushes her teeth. Is this normal?
A: She may have pregnancy gingivitis, also known as inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis can occur during pregnancy, though it is not typical. According to an article published in the July 2008 edition of Impact, a publication of the Academy of General Dentistry, increased hormone levels in pregnant women make their gums more sensitive to plaque or germ buildup on their teeth. Pregnancy gingivitis can appear as early as the second month of gestation. Frequent signs of gingivitis are red, swollen and painful gums. Women who have gingivitis before becoming pregnant may find that their symptoms get worse during pregnancy. It is estimated that 50 to 70 percent of pregnant women will develop gingivitis at some point during their pregnancy, depending on their hormone levels.
Left untreated, gingivitis may lead to gum disease (periodontitis). Gum disease is also characterized by bleeding, red, swollen gums as well as destruction of the bone that supports the teeth. Severe gum disease may lead to gum infections (abscesses) and cause teeth to become loose or even fall out. An October 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association showed that women who have gum disease while pregnant are at risk for premature delivery (at less than 37 weeks) and having low birth-weight babies (less than five pounds, eight ounces).
As you can see, expectant moms need to maintain good dental health for themselves as well as for the health of their baby. Prevention is the key. This begins with brushing teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Some studies suggest that vitamin B12 and vitamin C are important nutrients for the gums; these vitamins can be found in most prenatal vitamins. Moms-to-be should also schedule regular dental exams and cleanings to ensure proper oral hygiene. A dentist can monitor patients who are expecting and, if necessary, tailor treatment to help prevent gum disease and its symptoms.
Lisa Curry, DMD,
is a general dentist
and founder of Curry Dental Center, PLC,
in Lightfoot.