Pregnancy Gingivitis

Pregnancy gingivitis is a type of gingivitis that can happen when you’re pregnant. It causes symptoms like sore or swollen gums and gums that bleed when you brush and floss your teeth. The hormonal changes that happen when you’re pregnant make you more likely to get gingivitis than someone who isn’t pregnant.

The good news is that practicing good oral hygiene and having at least one professional cleaning from a dentist can lower your risk.

Gingivitis is common and affects 60% to 75% of all pregnancies in the U.S.

Symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis

Pregnancy gingivitis causes changes to your gums. It can cause your gums to be:

• Inflamed
• Tender or painful
• Red
• Swollen

You may notice your gums bleed after brushing and flossing, or that you have bad breath even after you brush your teeth.

Pregnancy gingivitis causes

A significant increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone causes pregnancy gingivitis. This is because these hormones:

• Increase blood flow to your gums, which can lead to inflammation, soreness and bleeding
• Change your sensitivity to plaque, a sticky film on your teeth (plaque irritates and inflames your gums, making them prone to infection)

Risk factors

These factors can increase your risk of pregnancy gingivitis:

• Poor brushing and flossing habits
• History of gum disease
• Eating sugary and acidic foods
• Frequent vomiting from morning sickness
• Smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products

Can pregnancy gingivitis affect the health of my baby?

There’s no evidence that slightly red or swollen gums harm the fetus. But if left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis causes your gums to pull away from your teeth, leaving pockets that can become infected. Eventually, this can lead to tooth loss. This condition increases your risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.

When is it likely to peak?

Your symptoms may become more severe during your second or third trimester. But symptoms can start as early as the first trimester and continue until your baby is born.

How doctors diagnose pregnancy gingivitis

Talk to your obstetrician or dentist if you’re having any symptoms of gingivitis, like swelling or bleeding gums. You’ll likely need to visit your dentist for an exam. At this visit, they’ll ask you about your symptoms and look at your gums and teeth.

After you see a dentist for your symptoms, let your pregnancy care team know so they’re aware of the diagnosis and can add it to your medical records.

Are dental X-rays safe during pregnancy?

If your symptoms are severe, you may need dental X-rays. Your dentist will take precautions to perform the X-rays safely by placing a radiation shield on your belly. Dental and obstetric experts agree that X-rays during pregnancy are safe with the correct shielding.

How is it treated?

The main treatment to reduce gum inflammation is a dental cleaning to remove plaque buildup. Your dentist will also recommend good oral hygiene to help reduce your symptoms, including:

• Brushing your teeth twice daily
• Flossing once daily
• Gargling daily with a warm saltwater rinse (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water)
• Rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash

If your symptoms are severe or getting worse, your dentist may prescribe:

• Antibiotics
• Prescription mouthwash

Since some medications can be unsafe during pregnancy, contact your pregnancy care provider before you begin using medications for gingivitis.

What is the outlook for pregnancy gingivitis?

The good news about pregnancy gingivitis is that your gums should go back to normal after your baby is born. In the meantime, you can take steps to manage the condition. Visit the dentist at least once during pregnancy and practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day.

If periodontitis develops, it may lead to tooth loss. You may also be at higher risk of premature delivery and having a baby with low birth weight.

If you’re unsure about your symptoms and what’s normal, it’s OK to ask your dentist or pregnancy care provider.

Can I prevent pregnancy gingivitis?

There’s nothing you can do to change your hormone levels during pregnancy. But you can take other steps to prevent pregnancy gingivitis. The best things you can do are:

• Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily
• Schedule a dental visit while you’re pregnant

Avoiding sugary foods and beverages during pregnancy can also help. These foods can damage your tooth enamel and gums, and increase your risk of gingivitis and cavities.