Bleeding gums are a hallmark sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. Inflammation in your gums can cause them to appear red and puffy. Your gums may bleed when you brush or floss your teeth the way you normally do. You may have healthy gums and still develop gingivitis during pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis can last for the duration of your pregnancy and often goes away once the pregnancy is over.
During pregnancy, the body has more of the hormone progesterone circulating. This hormone is important for pregnancy but can have some unwelcome side effects when it comes to oral health. Progesterone can prompt an increase in blood flow in the pregnant body. This is great for the developing baby but can cause inflammation and bleeding gums in the mouth. An increase in progesterone can also favor the growth of the bad bacteria that cause infection and inflammation in the gums.
Many people think that pregnancy gingivitis is no big deal. Pregnancy is not a permanent condition. When it is over, the hormone levels go back to normal. But dentists say that pregnancy gingivitis could cause issues for some people. The bleeding, sore gums are a nuisance and are uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, bleeding gums are not the only problem resulting from pregnancy gingivitis. Patients with untreated gingivitis are more likely to have pre-term labor than patients who are treating pregnancy gingivitis. In some instances, pregnancy gingivitis can lead to loose teeth. Some people may even need surgery.
Pregnancy gingivitis does not have to be inevitable. There are many ways people can lessen the effects of pregnancy gingivitis. Healthy habits will not only promote good oral health but will also promote good overall health. There are many ways people can be proactive with pregnancy gingivitis.
The foods people eat impact oral health. Starchy, processed, and sugary foods can promote the growth of bad bacteria. This bacterial growth causes bad breath and inflammation, which leads to bleeding gums. Avoiding acidic drinks can also help prevent pregnancy gingivitis. Acidic drinks damage the enamel of teeth, which makes it easier for bacteria to cause tooth decay.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in New York, NY
Oral care is different during pregnancy. A dentist can help a patient evaluate their oral care habits. The dentist can show the proper way to brush with a toothbrush and how to effectively use floss. A professional teeth cleaning during pregnancy can help to remove any buildup that can cause inflammation.
Pregnancy is a great time to take a good look at your oral care routine to see if it is complete and effective. Using the right toothbrush and good brushing techniques can promote healthier gums, and you should also use floss. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day is good not only during pregnancy but beyond. Caring for your teeth and taking care of your bleeding gums is better for your health and your baby’s too.
Request an appointment or call New York Dental Office at 212-548-3261 for an appointment in our New York office.
Most people have experienced seeing red on the bristles of their toothbrush, or a pink tint in the sink when they expectorate after brushing. It is normal to feel a bit of concern when noticing blood in the mouth because bleeding gums are a symptom commonly associated with gum disease. However, while chronic bleeding gums…
Bleeding gums are a symptom of poor gum health. Since you may not experience pain or discomfort, you may not think it is serious. In many, bleeding gums indicate gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious health complications.Gum disease develops when plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline causes inflammation. Over…
Flossing can seem like a chore, but the link between flossing and bleeding gums is clear. Sometimes, when you floss, you might occasionally find it causes your gums to bleed. That does not mean that flossing is bad for you — but you may not be doing it properly. Frequent flossing is the solution to…
Dentures can restore confidence in one’s smile and quality of life for those who have suffered tooth loss. However, it may not happen overnight, and getting used to dentures will take some time. Still, many denture wearers find the benefits of dentures are worth the wait. Though it may take some time to acclimate to…
Receiving dentures is a straightforward process, but it is determined by the type of dentures you receive. There are three types of dentures we will consider for your case, and in doing so, we will walk you through the process in depth at the time of your appointment. This article strives to provide you with…
