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Pregnancy
and Gingivitis:
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.
A “tooth for every
pregnancy”:
The
"old wives" tale of "a tooth for every pregnancy" is based on
misconceptions that oral problems during pregnancy are a normal
occurrence and cannot be prevented. Even though hormonal changes
are occurring, making the pregnant woman more at risk of developing
pregnancy gingivitis, a mouth that is clean (i.e. good plaque control)
does not develop pregnancy gingivitis.
Prevention:
Effectively
brush your teeth with a
fluoride toothpaste at least once a day. Use a soft toothbrush
with rounded bristles. Choose a size and shape that allows you to clean
the chewing surface, the cheek side, and the tongue side of the tooth.
Brushing should take 2-3 minutes so DON’T RUSH YOUR BRUSH!!!
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. This is a good time to ask your hygienist if you
are brushing and flossing effectively and if there is room for
improvement in your daily plaque control.
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