The same pregnancy hormonal agents that cause your mucus membranes to swell (and your sinuses to clog up) likewise irritate your gums from around week 15 of pregnancy on, making them more likely to bleed quickly. Those hormonal agents likewise leave your mouth more susceptible to bacteria and plaque, both which produce tender gums during pregnancy– and can cause gingivitis and tooth decay in some women if not dealt with correctly.
Is It Normal for My Gums to Bleed During Pregnancy?
About half of moms-to-be have swollen, red, tender gums that bleed when flossed or brushed. The cause is a moderate type of gum disease called pregnancy gingivitis. It is main cause of gums bleeding during pregnancy. Your gums are most likely to end up being swollen during pregnancy in part due to the fact that of hormonal modifications that make them more sensitive to the bacteria in plaque.
You might also establish a benign blemish on your gums that bleeds when you brush. This relatively uncommon nodule is called a pregnancy growth or pyogenic granuloma – scary names for something that’s safe and typically pain-free. Pregnancy growths can actually pop up anywhere on your body during pregnancy, but they appear usually in the mouth.
A pregnancy tumor can grow to as much as three-quarters of an inch in size and is most likely to appear in an area where you have gingivitis. Normally, it disappears after you have your baby, but if it does not, you’ll need to have it removed. If it causes pain, disrupts chewing or brushing, or begins to bleed exceedingly, you can have it removed while you’re pregnant.
Can Pregnancy Gingivitis Affect My Pregnancy?
This moderate kind of gum disease is not likely to cause you any damage, especially if you practice excellent dental health. You might have heard that gum disease can cause you to go into preterm labor. However that’s just a prospective risk for women with severe gum disease.
Lots of studies show a link in between severe gum disease and preterm birth and low birth weight. And some research suggests an association with preeclampsia, too. Nevertheless, other studies show no relationship in between gum disease and these serious complications.
Treatment for Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy
Practice excellent oral hygiene and get regular preventive dental care. Help yourself to avoid or reduce bleeding gums during pregnancy at first, second or third trimester by using following steps:
- Brush thoroughly but gently at least twice a day (after every meal if possible), using a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste with fluoride.
- Floss daily.
- Consider utilizing a fluoridated, alcohol-free mouth rinse every day.
- Get routine preventive dental care. Your dental professional or periodontist can remove plaque and tartar that brushing cannot. If you haven’t seen a dental professional recently, schedule a go to now for a comprehensive cleansing and examination. Be sure to let the dental practitioner understand that you’re pregnant and how far along you are. If it’s early enough in your pregnancy, you’ll most likely want to be seen once again prior to your baby is born– or perhaps more often if you currently have gum disease, since pregnancy will likely make the issue worse.
- Don’t postpone getting treatment for dental issues. If required, anesthetics such as Novocain are safe throughout pregnancy. And if antibiotics are needed, pregnancy-safe drugs are offered.
When Should Pregnant Woman Call the Dentist?
In addition to regular checkups, schedule a dental appointment right now if you have any of the following:
- A tooth pain
- gums bleeding during 1st, 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy
- Other signs of gum disease, like swollen, tender gums; receding gums; consistent bad breath; or loosening up teeth
- Developments in your mouth, even if they’re not painful or triggering any other symptoms