The Truth Behind Pregnancy Gingivitis

Are you aware that 60-70% of women will get gingivitis while pregnant?

Pregnancy causes a wide variety of changes to a woman’s body, and many of those changes are a result of hormones. One hormone that affects women’s oral health while their pregnant is progesterone. This hormone serves a wide range of purposes, but it also boosts the production of cavity-causing bacteria during pregnancy, resulting in pregnancy gingivitis.

HOW DOES AN INCREASE IN BACTERIA CAUSE GINGIVITIS?

When the hormone progesterone boosts production of bacteria in the mouths of pregnant women, it greatly increases their chances of developing gingivitis. This bacteria accumulates near the gumline where it attracts sugars and leads to plaque, decay, and gum disease. If your gums become increasingly red and irritable, it could be signs of gingivitis.

UNDERSTANDING GINGIVITIS

While developing gingivitis isn’t the end of the world, it’s vital to treat it before it worsens into a more severe form of gum disease. The three stages of gum disease are as follows:

Gingivitis

Caused by plaque build-up around the gum line, gingivitis is characterized by redness in the gums and irritation in the surrounding area. It’s vital to treat gingivitis soon before it evolves into a more severe form of gum disease.

Periodontitis

When periodontitis occurs, the fibers that hold the teeth have sustained irreversible damage. It’s at this stage where pockets start to develop in the gums. These pockets can be uncomfortable and they further complicate the treatment process.

Advanced Periodontitis

When gum disease becomes advanced periodontitis, losing teeth becomes a legitimate threat. With the fibers that hold them damaged beyond repair, your teeth may become loose and ineffective. Surgery and tooth extractions may be required.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MINIMIZE THE DAMAGE?

By drinking lots of water and staying consistent with your oral care at home, you can minimize the damage you suffer from pregnancy gingivitis. The water will help to rinse the harmful bacteria out of your mouth, freshening it up in the process. Dietary changes can help stop the damage from gum disease as well, mainly by avoiding sugary and starchy foods that coat your teeth with sugar as you eat them.