Gingivitis, characterized by inflammation and bleeding gums when brushing teeth, is a very common situation during pregnancy, especially due to hormonal changes that happen after the second month of pregnancy, which make the gums more sensitive.
However, gingivitis during pregnancy is not serious and is not indicative of poor oral hygiene. Usually the dentist recommends that the woman continue to perform oral hygiene correctly and, if symptoms continue to appear, the use of toothpaste for sensitive teeth, for example, may be indicated.
Main symptoms
Gingivitis in pregnancy is usually not a sign of poor oral hygiene, it can happen even when the level of bacteria is normal and the pregnant woman brushes her teeth correctly. The main symptoms include:
- Red and swollen gums; Easy bleeding of the gums when chewing or brushing teeth; Severe or constant pain in the teeth; Bad breath and bad taste in the mouth
Gingivitis should be treated as soon as possible, as if it continues to develop, it can lead to complications such as increased risk of premature or low birth weight, of the baby, at birth.
What to do in case of gingivitis
In the case of gingivitis during pregnancy, the most recommended is to maintain good oral hygiene habits, brushing your teeth at least twice a day and with a soft bristle brush, flossing once a day and using a mouthwash without alcohol after brushing your teeth.
Watch the following video and learn how to properly floss and other hygiene methods to prevent gingivitis:
However, if gingivitis continues to worsen or pain and bleeding gums continue to occur, it is advisable to see a dentist, as it may also be necessary to professionally clean the plaque.
In some cases, the dentist may recommend the use of a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne, for example, and the use of an extremely fine dental floss, to reduce irritation and the chances of bleeding gums.
After the baby is born, it is recommended that the woman return to the dentist to see if the gingivitis has not returned or if there are no other dental problems such as cavities, requiring filling or canal.
