What-To-Know About Bleeding Gums When You Have A Baby Bump?

Are you expecting?

Oh, is your gum bleeding? 

Not to worry because many pregnant women discover that their gums bleed readily. 

It’s one of the many surprises you probably weren’t prepared for when you agreed to create a new life.

Bleeding gums during pregnancy is a common condition known as pregnancy gingivitis.

Your gums could become more delicate, swollen, red, sensitive, and prone to bleeding, particularly when you brush and floss.

It’s typical, so don’t be alarmed. 

After delivery, your gums and teeth will most likely return to their pre-pregnancy state, so it’s a good idea to improve your oral hygiene now.

You can get assistance with this from your dentist. 

What causes gum bleeding while pregnant?

When you complain to your dentist about your bleeding gums, they could diagnose you with pregnancy gingivitis. 

Here is a list of potential pregnancy-related causes:

Rushing hormones:

The estrogen and progesterone that are coursing through your blood and boosting blood flow to all of your mucous membranes are the cause of your swollen and sensitive gums.

Changes in eating habits:

You are probably eating more carbohydrates, sweets, and fast food now that you are pregnant because of pregnancy cravings that are friendlier to plaque and cavities. 

Dislike of toothpaste:

If the smell of your toothpaste keeps you from brushing twice a day, try switching to a different brand or using a softer taste.

Decreased production of saliva:

More hormones are produced during pregnancy, which can cause some people to have less saliva. Less saliva implies that the carbohydrates you eat remain on the surfaces of your teeth for longer, possibly resulting in plaque formation. 

Alterations in saliva:

You will have more acidic saliva than non-pregnant women, which indicates that it is no longer an effective buffer. Additionally, these acids can increase your risk of tooth decay and erosion.

Morning sickness:

1. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after vomiting to remove any stomach acid.
2. Wait about an hour before brushing your teeth because the acid could have softened your teeth’ enamel.
3. Use ordinary water or, if you want to be extra careful, rinse with 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 1 cup.

What are the complications of pregnancy gingivitis?

Usually, gum bleeding during pregnancy is not so severe. 

However, it’s crucial to visit the dentist to guard against future issues like periodontal disease, which can result from untreated gingivitis. 

The gums and surrounding bone are infected in this situation. 

And it can result in bone loss and teeth that become loose.

Pregnant women who have periodontal diseases run the risk of having unfavorable pregnancies like:

• Premature birth
• Restricted fetal growth
• Low birth weight
• Gestational diabetes

Because of this, it’s crucial to maintain proper oral hygiene while pregnant and to see your dentist frequently.

How to take care of your teeth and gums while pregnant?

Here are some tips to help keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy:

Maintain good oral hygiene

Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily to remove plaque and food particles. Not only do your teeth need to be cleaned, but you should also brush your tongue to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth.

Visit your dentist regularly

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are important during pregnancy, as they can help prevent and treat gum disease.

Limit sugary foods and drinks

Sugar can cause plaque buildup and increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated can help keep your mouth clean and reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Avoid smoking

Smoking increases the risk of gum disease and can harm both you and your baby.

Consider a mouthwash

Using a mouthwash with fluoride can help to kill bacteria and reduce the risk of gum disease. Ask your dentist for a non-alcoholic therapeutic mouthwash or rinse that you can use every day to lessen germs and plaque in your mouth between brushings. This mouthwash should strengthen teeth rather than freshen breathing.

Eat a balanced diet

A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products can help keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy.

Chew if you can’t brush

Can’t brush after eating? If you’re not allergic, try chewing sugarless gum or grab some nuts or a small piece of cheese. They are all antimicrobial.

Try baking soda wash

Plaque could be removed more effectively by brushing with baking soda and water paste—fewer inflammation results from less plaque. If you have morning sickness, baking soda can neutralize damaging acids in your teeth.

Take your prenatal vitamins

To maintain healthy gums, use vitamin C. Calcium will keep your bones and teeth healthy. It is often present in prenatal supplements and pregnancy-friendly meals like dairy and fruit.

Floss

Don’t skip flossing, even though it can be tempting when you’re already worn out from being pregnant. By doing this, you can get rid of food particles lodged between your teeth.

Following these tips can help keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy and reduce the risk of gum disease and other dental problems.

If you have nausea and vomiting during the morning hours, rinse your mouth with plain water immediately. 

This will lessen the chance that the acid in your vomit can harm your teeth.

Avoid brushing your teeth right away because the stomach acid will soften them. 

What are the dental procedures you should avoid when pregnant?

It’s important to avoid certain dental treatments during pregnancy due to the potential risk to the developing fetus. 

Here are some dental treatments that should be avoided during pregnancy:

X-rays

Dental X-rays should be avoided during pregnancy, as radiation exposure can harm your baby.

Elective dental procedures

Dental procedures, such as teeth whitening and cosmetic procedures, should be postponed until after pregnancy.

Certain medications

Certain medications, such as local anesthetics containing epinephrine, should be avoided during pregnancy.

Extractions

Unless necessary, extractions should be avoided during pregnancy, as they can cause increased bleeding and may lead to complications.

Non-emergency procedures

Non-emergency dental procedures, such as deep cleanings or periodontal treatments, should be postponed until after pregnancy.

If you have a dental problem during pregnancy, discussing your options with your dentist and obstetrician is important. 

Sometimes, it may be necessary to delay treatment until after pregnancy. 

Still, in other cases, alternative treatments may be available that are safe for you and your baby.

When should you make an appointment with your dentist about your pregnant gums bleeding?

Go for your routine check-ups and call your dentist right away if you have the following:

• Tooth pain
• Gums that hurt and bleed a lot
• Growths in your mouth
• Tingling in the mouth
• Other indications of gum disease include loosened teeth, receding gums, persistent poor breath, and swollen or sensitive gums.

When should you expect your pregnant gums to stop bleeding?

While there are some risks associated with pregnancy for your mouth, if your gums were healthy before becoming pregnant, they will probably still be healthy. 

The greatest studies indicate no significant statistical differences between pregnant and non-pregnant women in the prevalence of gum disease or cavities.

But know that after delivery, your gums will stop bleeding.

Take away

Gum bleeding does eventually stop, just like so many other pregnancy symptoms. 

Wait until you deliver your child and get to hold that priceless bundle of joy.

Even though bleeding gums are unpleasant, you can still finish the race with ease if you:

• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Visit your dentist regularly
• Limit sugary foods and drinks
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid smoking
• Consider a mouthwash
• Eat a balanced diet
• Chew if you can’t brush
• Try baking soda wash
• Take your prenatal vitamins
• Floss

Make sure to follow the appropriate procedures to maintain control and stay in touch with your dental professional. 

You can discuss the best solutions designed precisely to meet your needs. You’ll feel fantastic knowing that your baby will be healthy and that you’ll have good oral health in the future.

Resources

https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2013/08/oral-health-care-during-pregnancy-and-through-the-lifespan

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2380084417731097

https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/swollen-gums-during-pregnancy/