Bleeding gums in pregnancy
Are bleeding gums in pregnancy normal?
Having bleeding, sensitive gums (gingivitis) is common in pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can cause your gums to swell and become inflamed, making them bleed more easily when you brush or clean between your teeth.
What can I do to stop my gums bleeding?
Even though it makes your gums bleed, brushing regularly will actually help. Use a soft brush, and choose a toothpaste for sensitive teeth if your gums are tender. Try not to rinse after brushing, as this will reduce the desensitising effect of the toothpaste. Don't forget to brush between your teeth.
The film of saliva, bacteria and food that coats your teeth (plaque) between cleaning can make your gums more prone to bleeding. To reduce plaque build-up:
See your dentist regularly.
Brush your teeth for two minutes, once in the morning, and last thing at night, using fluoride toothpaste. Try to leave it at least an hour after eating and drinking before you brush to protect the enamel on your teeth.
Use a rechargeable electric toothbrush which has a timer and a small rotating, oscillating head. These are more effective at removing plaque and reducing gum swelling than manual brushes.
Clean between your teeth at least three times a week to remove plaque and trapped food, and to reduce bleeding. Use interdental brushes and dental floss to help remove the food and plaque that lodges between your teeth. Your dentist can show you how to do this if you're unsure.
If you smoke, give up, as smoking makes gum disease worse.
If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels under control, and go to a dentist regularly for checkups. Gingivitis and gum disease are more common in people with diabetes. Treating gum disease can help to improve your blood sugar levels, and improving blood sugar control can, in turn, improve gum problems.
Use mouthwash twice a day, but check with your dentist which type is safe to use in pregnancy, or while you're breastfeeding. Mouthwash that contains the antiseptic chlorhexidine is fine to use for up to a month, but it may stain your teeth and tongue, so brush your teeth before using it. Chlorhexidine only rarely causes skin irritation and allergic reactions. If you think you are having an allergic reaction, stop using the mouthwash, and see your doctor.
Can bleeding gums lead to other problems?
Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which weakens the tissue and bone that keep your teeth anchored in your jaw.
If you don't see your dentist to halt the damage caused by periodontitis, your teeth and gums could get progressively worse. Your gums may become infected and develop pus-filled sacs (abscesses), and come away from your teeth. The ligaments and bone at the base of your teeth will then become damaged.
Pockets between your gums and your teeth will then get bigger, until your teeth start to loosen and one or more tooth falls out. But don't worry, as this level of damage only happens if the disease is left to get to an advanced stage.
You can limit the damage and prevent periodontitis from getting worse. Keep your teeth and gums clean and visit your dentist regularly for scaling and root planing. This treatment removes tartar build-up and smoothes the base of your teeth.
NHS dental care is free from the time your pregnancy is confirmed to your child's first birthday. You will need to apply for your maternity exemption certificate, so ask your doctor, midwife or health visitor for the correct form. If your baby is born late, you may need to apply for an extension.
Will gum disease harm my baby?
If you have gum disease, there's no clear evidence that it will directly affect your baby's health while you are pregnant. But it may mean that your general health isn't as good as it could be. If you are finding it difficult to stay healthy, this can affect the way that your baby grows.
Some experts think there's a connection between periodontitis and:
babies who are premature
babies with a low birth weight
other pregnancy complications
This may be a result of the inflammation and bacteria that gum disease causes. However we can't be certain about this, because different studies have come up with different findings.
If you don't have a healthy diet and have a stressful home life due to money worries, you have a higher chance of having a baby who is premature. Not looking after your teeth properly can be part of not having enough money to eat and live as healthily as you could.
If you are worried about your health, talk to your midwife. She can help you to arrange free dental care, sign up for free antenatal classes, and give you advice about how to stay healthy.
When should I call the dentist?
If your gums are bleeding and feel tender, see a dentist straight away. You don't need to wait until your next check up if you're having a problem.
A dental hygienist should be available to scale and polish your teeth and treat your tender gums. Your dentist can also give you advice about how to care for your teeth.
Remember to tell your dentist that you're pregnant, so you don't have an X-ray unless you urgently need one. If you need a local anaesthetic for dental work at any time during your pregnancy, it's perfectly safe.
If your dentist feels unsure about the kind of medication he can safely give you, ask him to check with your GP or midwife.
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a217/bleeding-gums-in-pregnancy#ixzz3wFFMY8aN