Dental Health
Pregnancy
Pregnancy
Many pregnant women show some signs of gingivitis during pregnancy. Gingivitis is defined as the inflammation or swelling of the gum tissues. Most cases of gingivitis are the result of poor oral hygiene. If plaque, the bacterial film that builds up on your teeth, is not removed daily by brushing and flossing, the plaque can irritate the gums, making them bright red, tender, swollen, sensitive and bleed readily.
During pregnancy there is a special need for good oral hygiene because pregnancy may exaggerate the body's normal response to dental plaque. This is because four basic hormones, vital to the continuation of pregnancy, are produced in large quantities during the gestation period. This hormonal increase exaggerates the way the gum tissues react to the bacteria in plaque resulting in an increased likelihood that a pregnant woman will develop gum disease if her daily plaque control is inadequate. It is important to note, that it is the plaque, and not the increased hormone levels that is the major cause of pregnancy gingivitis. Swelling of the gums is usually first seen in the second month of pregnancy and generally reaches a peak by the middle of the last trimester. It can remain that way for 3-6 months after delivery. The seriousness of the gingivitis can range from mild to severe depending on the gum problems existing before pregnancy. Pregnancy generally worsens pre-existing gum problems, sometimes dramatically.
The wives tale of "a lost tooth for every pregnancy" is based on misconceptions that oral problems during pregnancy are a normal occurrence and cannot be prevented. A mouth that is clean does not develop pregnancy gingivitis. Effectively brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least once a day. Floss your teeth daily to remove plaque from the tooth surfaces not reached by the toothbrush (like the sides of your teeth). Visit your oral health professional such as your dental hygienist regularly for advice and therapy on oral disease prevention and oral health promotion while you are pregnant.
Appointment not necessary for people in pain.
Call 519-679-Dove (3683).