Gingivitis, a common condition during pregnancyIt is a form of periodontal disease that involves inflammation and bleeding of the gums, due to the infection that destroy the supporting tissues of the teeth (gums, periodontal ligaments and alveolar bone).
Gingivitis is due to the long-term effects of plaque deposits, and more than 50% of all pregnant women experience some form of pregnancy gingivitis. Usually gingivitis does not carry any risk, unless it is not treated in time.
Care must be taken to prevent and treat this infection, because in the case of complications, period problems could lead to premature delivery.
There are several reasons that make gingivitis so frequent during pregnancy:
- The increase in blood flow that occurs during pregnancy is the cause of the gums swelling and pain, and even bleeding, increasing the risk of gingivitis.
- The risk of developing gingivitis during pregnancy also increases the hormonal levels at this stage: the gums and teeth become more sensitive to the bacteria that hide in the plaque.
- A less relevant factor (and which is not involved in all cases) would be nausea during pregnancy, which could cause some women to dislike toothpaste or deep mouth hygiene, as it would cause vomiting.
- In the event that nausea is accompanied by vomiting, increased vomiting during pregnancy can also damage the gums. This is because the stomach acid from vomiting could eat up the gum tissue and tooth enamel, making the mouth much more sensitive.
- The nasal congestion that during pregnancy can cause hormonal excess that inflames the nasal mucous membranes could lead to frequent breathing through the mouth. Regular oral breathing increases the risk of gingivitis and tooth decay.
How to prevent gingivitis We will follow proper oral hygiene, with brushing teeth after each meal, flossing, mouthwashes, regular visits to the dentist and even some mouth cleaning. Foods containing refined sugar in large quantities should also be avoided, and in any case brush your teeth immediately after consuming them.
In these ways we will stop the accumulation of plaque and tartar and prevent the appearance of gingivitis.
Gingivitis symptoms they are located in the gums, which will appear sensitive or inflamed, reddened or purplish-red, or very bright. Also frequent bleeding after brushing your teeth or flossing. Mouth sores and an unpleasant taste that does not go away could also be symptoms. You have to go to the specialist in these cases for a correct diagnosis.
If we already have gingivitis, the best treatment To cure gum disease, a thorough oral cleaning would be performed in the dentist's office, apart from following proper and frequent oral hygiene. Advanced gingivitis may also require a special cleaning technique, such as root smoothing, a process during which the plaque present at the roots of the teeth is completely removed.
In any case, remember that with the guidelines mentioned above gingivitis during pregnancy It is very easy to prevent, and we will save ourselves from unnecessary worries and complications in these important moments for our health.
