If you are expecting a baby, your health is likely one of your biggest concerns. Along with eating a healthy diet and staying away from toxins, you should also make sure you are taking care of your oral health. Your oral hygiene is more important than ever when you are expecting. When you are pregnant, you will go through many different hormonal changes, many of which can have and adverse affect on your gum health. The following is some information that explains the link between pregnancy and gingivitis:

Causes of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by bacterial growth on the teeth and along the gum line. It will irritate and adversely affect your gums, making them red and likely to bleed. If gingivitis is ignored, it can lead to further periodontal disease. Symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, and red inflamed gum tissue.

The Role of Pregnancy Hormones and Oral Health

When you are expecting a baby, your hormones change dramatically. Your progesterone levels will increase. This increase will create a ripe environment for bacteria to grow at a more rapid rate than normal. This causes a higher likelihood of getting gingivitis when pregnant.

Preventing Gingivitis When Expecting

Your progesterone levels will continue to rise all throughout the pregnancy. This means that you will be more at risk for gingivitis all throughout your gestation. You will need to be extra cautious when caring for your oral health. The best things you can do are practice good hygiene habits and visit your dentist for your twice-yearly visits. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice per day. If you begin to notice your gums bleeding, be sure to visit your dentist to ensure you do not have a case of gingivitis.

If you do get gingivitis, there are a number of ways to take care of it. The best thing you can do is take precautions as soon as you begin to notice symptoms. If you don't the gingivitis is going to get progressively worse and can affect the health of your entire body. To help combat gingivitis, rinse your mouth daily with an anti-bacterial mouth rinse and continue to brush and floss regularly. If you notice excessive bleeding or swelling, you should see your dentist as soon as possible.

Once you know you are pregnant, be sure to discuss your oral care with a dentist, like one at Periodontal Specialists. He or she will be able to give you some additional tips so that your teeth and gums remain healthy while you are expecting.

Share