Q.
Hello Dr,
please could you give me some advice, I have always looked after my teeth, brushed twice a day, floss and used mouth wash and never had a problem, but as soon as I got pregnant my gum began to become sore and now iam 7months gone they’ve started to bleed. Please could you tell me why this is happening, how to stop it and if it will affect my unborn baby? thanks for this
Hello Dr,
please could you give me some advice, I have always looked after my teeth, brushed twice a day, floss and used mouth wash and never had a problem, but as soon as I got pregnant my gum began to become sore and now iam 7months gone they’ve started to bleed. Please could you tell me why this is happening, how to stop it and if it will affect my unborn baby? thanks for this
A.
It is common for gums to bleed during pregnancy, this is often more pronounced during the first and third trimester. There is a recognised condition called Pregnancy Ginigivits, a non-destructive, reversible condition that usually resolves once the baby is born. You will be pleased to know there is no such condition as Pregnancy Periodontitis (the destructive form of gum disease). Pregnancy Gingivitis is associated with fluctuations in the female hormones caused by the pregnancy.
It is common for gums to bleed during pregnancy, this is often more pronounced during the first and third trimester. There is a recognised condition called Pregnancy Ginigivits, a non-destructive, reversible condition that usually resolves once the baby is born. You will be pleased to know there is no such condition as Pregnancy Periodontitis (the destructive form of gum disease). Pregnancy Gingivitis is associated with fluctuations in the female hormones caused by the pregnancy.
It is important that you maintain good home care in terms of your cleaning and that you seek professional advice to confirm the diagnosis of Pregnancy Gingivitis, as without examining you, it is impossible to be certain of the diagnosis. Your general dentist should be able to advise on this although if concerned, seek the help of a Periodontist.
If this is Pregnancy Gingivitis, then you baby will be unaffected by this condition.
Congratulations on your pregnancy and good luck with the coming months and years, parenthood is great fun!
Dr Ian Dunn
PurelyPerio Clinic 334, PO Box 334, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 0AG Web: www.purelyperio.co.uk Tel: 01625 419700
