The entire process of pregnancy can be a mixed bag of emotions. Many pregnant women may notice bleeding gums when brushing their teeth even though they had no problems with their oral health before pregnancy. This is likely due to pregnancy gingivitis, but don’t worry, these symptoms will typically decrease or disappear after giving birth.
Expecting mothers should pay attention to oral hygiene, brushing their teeth after every meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding gum irritation, and eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C.
Why Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy?
Being a mother is a tough job, especially during the ten months of pregnancy. Pregnant women face many challenges, including bleeding gums. Compared to the general population, pregnant women are more likely to experience bleeding gums, and it can happen frequently. So why do pregnant women experience bleeding gums?
Hormonal changes
Due to increased estrogen and progesterone in the expectant mother’s body, the gums’ tiny blood vessels expand, bend, and become less elastic, leading to blood congestion and increased permeability of blood vessel walls, causing gum inflammation.
Therefore, during pregnancy, the gums are more sensitive to local stimulation, and the reaction to local stimulation is stronger than when not pregnant. Pregnancy gingivitis can worsen as the pregnancy progresses, but the symptoms will disappear after giving birth because estrogen and progesterone levels decrease.
Insufficient oral hygiene
In addition to pregnancy-related factors, gum bleeding in pregnant women is also commonly caused by local oral factors, which are often accompanied by bad breath.
Other reasons
Incorrect tooth brushing methods, inappropriate toothbrushes, and the stimulation of residual roots and sharp objects can also cause gum bleeding.
Due to the relative lack of vitamins and trace elements caused by pregnancy, daytime saliva secretion increases, while nighttime saliva secretion decreases, leading to a decrease in the mouth’s flushing action.
Some pregnant women may also have difficulty moving and brushing their teeth less often, leading to food residue, plaque, and tartar accumulation around the teeth, and various oral bacteria can multiply in this environment, leading to gum inflammation.
If some pregnant women already have mild gingivitis or periodontitis, the increased estrogen in their body makes their gums more sensitive to bacterial plaque, which can worsen gum inflammation and bleeding symptoms.
What to Do About Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy?
After two months of pregnancy, many expectant mothers may experience obvious bleeding gums. This is due to an increase in progesterone levels and increased blood flow to the mouth, which causes dilation, bending, reduced elasticity, and blood stasis in the gum capillaries. So if this happens, what should expectant mothers do?
Change toothbrush
Switch to a soft-bristled children’s toothbrush with a smaller head, as the softer bristles can reduce damage to the gums and effectively solve the problem of bleeding gums. If possible, consider purchasing an electric toothbrush, which can effectively massage the gums and reduce brushing force by about 62%, leading to a decrease in the degree of bleeding gums.
Choose fluoride toothpaste
Choose toothpaste that contains fluoride, but don’t use too much (no more than 1 cm per time), and be cautious of toothpaste with high fluoride content or unclear labeling. Some active ingredients in medicated toothpaste can be harmful to the fetus, so it’s best to consult a doctor before using them.
Vertical brushing method
Use the vertical brushing method and brush gently but thoroughly. Do not use too much force as it can damage the fragile gums and cause bleeding.
Brush after meals
Try to brush your teeth after every meal, ideally within 20 minutes of finishing eating or drinking. If this is not possible, at least brush your teeth twice a day.
Use toothpicks sparingly
Use toothpicks sparingly as the periodontal tissue of pregnant women is already fragile. If the toothpick is too rough or used improperly, it can easily damage the gums and cause bleeding and diseases in the tissues around the teeth.
Take antibiotics
If bleeding is caused by gum disease, take antibiotics under a doctor’s guidance and follow their instructions for follow-up visits. Do not stop medication on your own.
Receive dental care
Receive regular dental care. A dentist can remove plaque and tartar that toothbrushes cannot reach. If you haven’t seen a dentist recently, make an appointment for a thorough teeth cleaning and check-up. Be sure to let the dentist know how long you have been pregnant.
The dentist may want you to come back during your pregnancy, especially if you have gum disease, which can worsen during pregnancy and require more frequent visits to the dentist.
What Foods Help With Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy?
There are several foods that can help alleviate bleeding gums during pregnancy:
Foods high in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, kiwis, and broccoli, can help boost gum health and reduce inflammation.
Foods high in vitamin K, such as spinach, kale, and collard greens, can help promote blood clotting and reduce bleeding.
Foods high in calcium, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, can help strengthen teeth and bones, including the jawbone that supports the gums.
Foods high in antioxidants, such as blueberries, cranberries, and green tea, can help reduce inflammation and fight gum disease.
It is important to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet during pregnancy to support overall health and wellness, including gum health. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before making any significant dietary changes during pregnancy.
What Toothpaste Can You Use for Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, it’s important to be careful with medications, but many pregnant women experience bleeding gums. So, can they use antibacterial toothpaste? And what toothpaste is best for bleeding gums during pregnancy?
Around two to three months into pregnancy, it’s common for women to experience bleeding gums, so it’s important to take care of them properly. When it comes to choosing toothpaste, pregnant women don’t need to be too strict as long as it’s a product from a reputable large factory, and the metal content doesn’t exceed the standard. It’s recommended to choose a toothpaste made from natural plant ingredients, which has no side effects and is a good choice.
Some pregnant women may worry that using antibacterial toothpaste could affect their baby’s development. However, brushing teeth typically only takes 2-3 minutes, and the contact time between the toothpaste and mouth is short. After brushing, people usually spit out the toothpaste foam and rinse their mouth with water. Even if they accidentally swallow a small amount of foam, it won’t harm the baby.
If there are still concerns about the drugs in toothpaste affecting the baby’s development, expectant mothers can choose toothpaste containing salt. However, while salt toothpaste has some antibacterial effects, the results are not particularly significant.
Does Bleeding Gums Affect the Fetus During Pregnancy?
Before pregnancy, your teeth were in good condition, but after becoming pregnant, you noticed that your gums frequently bleed. This is because hormones in your body have changed, making your gums more fragile than before. Seeing blood when brushing your teeth can be scary for many expectant mothers, who worry that this may harm their unborn baby. So, does bleeding gums during pregnancy affect the fetus?
If expectant mothers do not pay attention to oral health and gum care, gingivitis can worsen and even develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more serious gum disease in which the infection penetrates the bone and other tissues that support the teeth. Severe gum disease and periodontitis during pregnancy are especially important to note.
Some studies have found that pregnant women with these symptoms are more likely to have premature births. Treating gum disease can help reduce the risk of premature birth.
A study found that pregnant women with periodontitis who underwent scaling and root planing had a significantly lower incidence of premature birth than those who did not receive such treatment.
Other studies have also shown a correlation between chronic gum disease and preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
However, researchers caution that it is currently unclear whether preeclampsia is caused by gum disease or other factors.
Therefore, expectant mothers should not take bleeding gums lightly and seek timely treatment. Women who are planning to conceive should also pay attention to their dental health and practice good oral hygiene to give their baby a healthy body.
In Conclusion
Bleeding gums during pregnancy are a common occurrence due to hormonal changes that make gums more sensitive and vulnerable. If left untreated, gum disease can worsen and lead to more serious complications such as premature birth. However, studies have shown that treating gum disease can reduce the risk of premature birth. Therefore, it’s important for pregnant women to prioritize dental care and seek treatment for any gum issues to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
FAQs
How Can I Stop My Gums From Bleeding During Pregnancy?
– Good oral hygiene. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently (twice a day) so that you don’t irritate your sensitive gums.
– Floss.
– Mouthwash.
– Limit the sugar.
– Take your prenatal vitamin.
– Visit your dentist.
When Should I Be Worried About Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy?
Bleeding gums or Gingivitis in pregnancy is absolutely normal and not a reason to panic. However, If left untreated, Gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a severe condition of gums that can result in teeth loosening and falling out. So it is very important to see an experienced dental specialist like Dr.
What Stage of Pregnancy Does Your Gums Bleed?
You’ll usually see your gums start to bleed during the third trimester, when your estrogen and progesterone levels peak, although your gums may start to be more tender in your second trimester due to all the hormonal changes. Tender gums in the first trimester could also be an early indicator of pregnancy.
Can Bleeding Gums Cause Early Labor?
Pregnant women with gum disease are significantly more likely to go into early labour, according to the findings of a new study. Research discovered that women who entered labour early were one and a half times more likely (45%) to have gum disease than women who experienced a perfect pregnancy (29%).
What Deficiency Causes Bleeding Gums?
Bleeding gums can be caused by various factors, including vitamin deficiencies. In particular, a deficiency in vitamin C can lead to bleeding gums, as vitamin C is essential for maintaining healthy gum tissue. Other vitamin deficiencies that can contribute to bleeding gums include deficiencies in vitamins K and D. Additionally, a lack of minerals like calcium and magnesium can also lead to gum problems. It is important to maintain a balanced diet and ensure adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals to prevent bleeding gums and other dental issues.
Do I Have Pregnancy Gingivitis?
Pregnancy gingivitis is very similar to the gingivitis that occurs outside of pregnancy and can include a mild inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup, with red and sore gums that bleed when probed. If you have red, sensitive, or swollen gums during pregnancy, you’re not alone. If you are experiencing bleeding gums or other dental issues during pregnancy, it is important to speak with your dentist or healthcare provider. They can evaluate your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment or recommendations for managing your oral health during pregnancy.
*Tips: The medical information mentioned in this article is for reading reference only. If you experience any discomfort, we recommend seeking medical attention immediately.
References
https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/your-body/bleeding-gums-during-pregnancy_217
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/bleeding-gums-pregnancy
