Pregnancy gingivitis is the gingivitis happen during pregnancy. During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes numerous changes, especially changes in the hormone balance in the body. The hormonal changes would cause the gingivitis via two primary routes.
The hormonal changes causes the increased blood flow to the gum tissue, making it more irritable, more sensitive and more swollen. Secondly, the hormonal changes decrease the body’s normal immune response to bacteria. So when there is plaque, the bacteria in the gum tissue would be more likely to grow and causes the infection to the gum. This is called the pregnancy gingivitis.
Thus, good oral hygiene is generally recommended during pregnancy. Routine dental checkup and cleaning would help minimize the effect of gingivitis. However, if the gingivitis is left untreated, it may progress into a more severe form called the periodontitis. The periodontitis is a periodontal disease characterized by increased bone loss, gingival infection and inflammation and tooth mobility.
Usually after child birth, the condition of the gum would return back to normal. Bleeding and swelling should subside. However, if the symptoms continue, please contact your dentist for checkup.
Written by Daniel Tee, DDS, MS
Practicing Family Dentist Serving the city of Tempe, Chandler, Phoenix, Gilbert, and Mesa in Arizona.
