Those who are pregnant have a higher risk of developing gingivitis. At Espire Dental, we can help you understand, prevent, and treat pregnancy gingivitis.

If you’ve read our other articles about pregnancy and dental health, you’ll remember that pregnant women are at an increased risk of gingivitis. In fact, between 60 and 70% of women experience gingivitis while pregnant. 

You may have a higher chance of getting gingivitis while pregnant, but that doesn’t mean it’s inevitable! Let’s go over why pregnancy gingivitis happens, any symptoms to look out for, and some preventative measures and treatment options.

Why the Increased Risk of Gingivitis During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, progesterone hormone levels are higher than usual. An increase in progesterone makes you more susceptible to developing bacterial plaque, which attacks your gums and causes gingivitis. These hormonal changes could also aggravate existing gum disease and increase the risk of tooth decay or loose teeth.  

You may notice gingivitis or symptoms of gingivitis developing during your second trimester, but it could be as early as your first. The height of the gum sensitivity and bleeding will probably be during your third trimester, when progesterone levels are highest. Common symptoms of gingivitis include:

• Bleeding gums, especially while brushing and flossing
• Bright red gums
• Swollen, inflamed, or puffy gums
• Gums that are soft or tender to the touch
• Receding gums
• Bad breath (halitosis)

Preventing and Treating Pregnancy Gingivitis at Home

There are many ways you could try to avoid pregnancy gingivitis before it takes hold:

• Brush and floss regularly. You should always brush your teeth at least twice a day, but try to brush after every meal or snack while pregnant to prevent dangerous bacteria from taking hold. For an extra plaque-removing boost, brush with baking soda.
• Eat healthy! Not only will eating less sugary foods prevent gingivitis and tooth decay, but eating nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables will promote good health for your teeth, your body, and your baby.
• Don’t share food, utensils, or other things that touch your mouth. To stop the spread of bacteria that could cause gingivitis, keep other people’s germs away from your mouth.
• Take prenatal vitamins. Vitamin C is good for gum health, and calcium will promote strong teeth and bones for you and your baby.

If you start feeling the symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis, you can relieve discomfort at home using a simple solution: salt water. Simply dilute 1 teaspoon of salt into a cup of boiled water, wait for it to cool, then swish it around and spit (don’t swallow!). If home remedies aren’t strong enough to soothe the pain, your dentist could prescribe you an antibiotic made to target gingivitis in the form of an oral antibiotic or a prescription-strength mouthwash. 

Preventing Pregnancy Gingivitis with Espire

When you’re pregnant — especially if you’re worried about developing pregnancy gingivitis — it’s critical to see your dentist more often than you would during a regular year. Ideally, you should aim to schedule two to three dentist visits during the nine months of pregnancy. Your dentist will remove more plaque from your teeth and gums this way, eliminating opportunities for gingivitis and other dental health issues to arise.

If you’re pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, schedule an appointment with Espire Dental! Our kind and experienced staff will make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout your pregnancy, reducing the risk of gingivitis. We’ll also address any other issues or sensitivities in ways that are safe for you and your baby. Call (720) 699-8416 or contact us to schedule an appointment today.