There are conditions that can interfere with the health generally and also the dental health of people. It could be due to immunosuppression, hormonal imbalance, vitamin deficiency or the presence of infection or disease. There is another that is physiological, meaning that it is, in fact, an existing state that alters the way the body function, but it does not mean the person is sick or unhealthy.
One of such cases is pregnancy; the mother may experience nausea, increased blood pressure, drowsiness, and one of those peculiar things that can also surface during the pregnancy state is the pregnancy gingivitis. This occurs when a pregnant woman experiences tender and swollen gum which may even lead to the sore formation, ulcers or worse bleeding. Evidence-based on research has suggested there is a connection between periodontal diseases in expecting mothers and premature births.
Why do women have bleeding gums during pregnancy?
One way to understand the situation is the hormonal change that occurs in the body during pregnancy which leads to increased sensitivity of the gum to the plaque causing profound irritation in the gingival. Typically, all these woes will be over when the lady is delivered of the baby. So that gives the woman double bundle of joy knowing that not only do they have a child but all those strange abnormalities would disappear and cease to bother them again. But if there are any cases of persistent issues in the mouth such as a tumor growth casing discomfort, one can have it removed and taken care of by the physician.
Maternity care is often the place that helps in calming and educating affected women down. Majority of ladies that are expectant do not have sound knowledge of dental plaque or even understand the dangerous effects it poses, but once they notice any bleeding from the gum, most are aware of an imminent problem. The informed advice at this discovery is not to panic but to continue having good practices of oral care.
The reason calm is the balm is that bleeding is a ubiquitous presence that brings pregnant women to the clinic. Obstetricians and Gynecologists are very keen to identify the underlying condition and address it adequately. In some cases, tests may be carried out eliminate the possibility of bleeding disorders, although this occurs very rarely.
What is the effect of pregnancy gingivitis on the baby inside the womb?
Pregnancy gingivitis does not pose any risk to the proper development of the fetus nor does it have any negative implication for the baby. Even though there are suggestions that the condition is associated with preterm labor, there haven’t been any substantial report that has confirmed and established it as a fact. The only thing is advisable is to continue taking proper care of the mouth. This is because even though one can be protected from some of these bacteria but if they can make their way through the blood and infect the baby, the condition will be devastating. Therefore, it is still reasonable to keep maintaining good hygiene orally, but if brushing the teeth in the morning induces morning sickness or worsens it, one could use flossing, mouthwash and so on just to make sure that enough protection for the mouth.
Proper dental care of the teeth and gums when pregnant?
How to take good care of the mouth is relatively basic and straightforward. Develop the habit of using floss daily as it removes unwanted debris. One can also introduce the use of mouth-wash that do not contain alcohol.
But more importantly, one should brush the teeth thoroughly with gentle strokes a minimum of twice a day. However, Dentists recommends having optimal results, the best approach to keeping excellent dental health is by brushing the mouth immediately at the end of every meal. Contrary to the opinion of some people, the recommended brush to use is a soft-bristled brush, and the appropriate toothpaste has to contain fluoride. Now, most people will try to rush the process of brushing the teeth but taking one’s time is beneficial as it helps the gum absorb the fluorine which makes it healthier.
A regular visit to the dentist is also essential, and the dentist should be informed of the pregnancy. No matter how diligent one can be, there are a couple of things that can be removed by flossing and the brush, but the dentist has tools that make them removable easily. The situation may degenerate primarily due to pregnancy, so taking the chance to frequent the Doctor is advisable as the benefits outweigh the risk one may be exposed to if one ignores any sign.
The Dentist or the Gynecologist are well informed of painkillers or antibiotics that are safe for use in pregnant women, so if there is no need to self-medicate, even though it is merely the gum that is bleeding, one should take proper care of one’s body and baby. One can never be too careful when it comes to watching what one consumes during pregnancy.
When do I give a call to my dentist about bleeding gums during pregnancy?
- A toothache cares terribly; the pain can become unbearable. Some people even believe the only pain that beats that of a toothache is labor pain, so when a toothache strikes one should not hesitate to give the dentist a call.
- When one realizes that one’s gum bleeds too often and they are sore, it calls for calling. The frequency of the bleeding gum should indicate the need to either pay a visit or call the doctor.
- Adverse situations that are unbearable such as constant mouth odor, falling off of the teeth or even receding gum all require proper management by the healthcare professional.
- Any form of tumor growth should be reported to the Dentist; even when there is no pain being felt with the tumor, it is reasonable to inform the Dentist for proper monitoring and surveillance. Surgical excision of cancer may be done either after the delivery or before.
References
Buist, Erica. 2017. “Why You Might Get Bleeding Gums In Pregnancy And How To Treat.” Mother&Baby. https://www.motherandbaby.co.uk/pregnancy-and-birth/pregnancy/pregnancy-health-conditions-explained/why-you-might-get-bleeding-gums-in-pregnancy-and-how-to-treat (24 February 2018).
Carter, Parvin. 2017. “Can A Pregnant Woman’s Oral Health Affect Her Unborn?.” Archive.redding.com. http://archive.redding.com/news/can-a-pregnant-womans-oral-health-affect-her-unborn-ep-447802149-353512691.html/ (24 February 2018).
Lefkou, Eleftheria, and Beverley J. Hunt. 2008. “Bleeding Disorders In Pregnancy.” Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine 18(8): 217-223.
Kadir, R. A., & Aledort, L. M. (2000). Obstetrical and gynecological bleeding: a common presenting symptom. International Journal of Laboratory Hematology, 22(s1), 12-16.
Alwaeli, H. A., & Al‐Jundi, S. H. (2005). Periodontal disease awareness among pregnant women and its relationship with socio‐demographic variables. International journal of dental hygiene, 3(2),
