Serious gum disease (periodontitis) may increase the risk lead of premature delivery. It's not understood why this sometimes happens. Pregnant women often have more sensitive gums and teeth. You should make sure that you take extra special care of your oral hygiene. Try switching to a soft or extra soft tooth brush and use an anti-bacterial toothpaste or mouthwash. Of course, consult with your physician and dentist.
Pregnancy and Oral Health
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 2 AnswersDuring pregnancy, your body's hormone levels rise considerably. Gingivitis, especially common during the second to eighth months of pregnancy, may cause red, puffy or tender gums that tend to bleed when you brush. This sensitivity is an exaggerated response to plaque and is caused by an increased level of progesterone in your system. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings during your second trimester or early third trimester to help you avoid problems. -
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Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answeredSee All 5 AnswersMake sure you have an oral fixation for at least a few minutes a day to help prevent infections that could spread to your child.- Visit your dentist at least once during pregnancy (and make sure to get regular prenatal care) to reduce the risk of infections. Even better -- visit your dentist twice in the year before you are likely to get pregnant. Remember, since 50 percent of pregnancies are unexpected, this may simply mean visiting your dentist regularly.
- Brush at least twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day.
- Avoid sugary foods (they feed the bacteria and cause a big old plaque build-up) and eat foods that help maintain healthy gums and teeth. They include foods with lots of calcium, Vitamin B12, and vitamin C.
- Rinse your mouth out with water to help counteract any unpleasant taste you may be experiencing from nausea or morning sickness.
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 2 Answers
In some women, overgrowths of tissue called “pregnancy tumors” appear on the gums, most often during the second trimester. These non-cancerous growths or swellings are usually found between the teeth and are believed to be related to excess plaque. They bleed easily and have a red, raw-looking raspberry-like appearance. They usually disappear after your baby is born, but if you are concerned, talked to your dentist about removing them. If you notice pregnancy tumors or any other changes in your mouth during pregnancy, see your dentist.
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RealAge answeredSome women experience excessive saliva in their mouths during pregnancy, which may or may not be accompanied by nausea. Doctors, dentists, and researchers do not fully understand the reasons for this. It might be related to more circulating blood volume in the pregnant woman's body, or some other hormonal changes during pregnancy might trigger the release of excess saliva from the parotid gland. Some women experience excessive saliva early in the first trimester, and it may not stop until roughly the end the first trimester. -
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RealAge answered
Pregnant women may have more sensitive teeth and gums and so should switch to a soft or extra soft toothbrush. If you are pregnant, your hormones will have fluctuated a lot, sometimes even causing morning sickness. But hormonal changes can also have other unwanted oral health effects. Pregnant women have more sensitive gums and teeth. It's not exactly understood why this happens. Some researchers think that a larger blood volume flowing in your pregnant body tends to make the gums tender, swell, and become irritated.
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 3 AnswersYes, dental care matters during pregnancy. That's because many women are more likely to develop gingivitis during pregnancy, an infection of the gums that can cause swelling and tenderness. The gums also may bleed during brushing and flossing and, if left untreated, that gingivitis can affect the supporting tissues that hold your teeth in place. To prevent this, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings.
You should continue to see your dentist during pregnancy for oral examinations and professional teeth cleaning. Tell your dentist that you are pregnant and about any changes you have noticed in your oral health. Good daily care is key to your oral health. To help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, always brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth once a day, eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks. -
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 2 AnswersWhat you are describing is known as pregnancy gingivitis, which is very common in women who are expecting. This condition may appear as early as the first trimester. When an increase in hormones can exaggerate the way your gum tissues react to plaque -- the major cause of gum disease. You may notice that your gums bleed a little when you brush or floss. If untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious forms of gum disease, affecting the gums and bone that anchor teeth in place. You can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings during your second or early third trimester to help control gingivitis. If you notice any changes in your mouth during pregnancy, see your dentist.
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American Dental Association answeredSee All 3 AnswersKeeping up with your oral health can help you avoid any dental problems before or during your pregnancy. It’s important to see your dentist regularly. Being pregnant comes with many responsibilities -- and oral hygiene is no exception. For most women, routine dental visits are safe during pregnancy, but let your dental office know what month you are in when you make your appointment.