Are Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy Is Normal

Many things about your body can change during pregnancy. One of the changes that you might notice is that your teeth and gums are different. In particular, when you’re pregnant, you could find that your gums bleed. This might worry you, but it’s actually very common to find that your gums start to bleed during pregnancy. The reason for this is that hormonal changes in your body make your gums more vulnerable to plaque. A buildup of plaque causes your gums to become inflamed and bleed. Known as pregnancy gingivitis or gum disease, it’s easy to deal with and prevent, and your dentist can help.

Why Your Gums Might Bleed During Pregnancy

If your gums bleed during pregnancy, it’s likely because you have pregnancy gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild gum disease, which is caused when a buildup of plaque irritates and inflames the gums. Due to the hormonal changes that occur when you’re pregnant, your gums are more sensitive and you can be more susceptible to developing gum disease. This can lead to swelling, soreness and bleeding. If you experience these symptoms, your dentist can help you.

How a Dentist Can Help

When you make an appointment with a dentist, they can help you if you have pregnancy gingivitis. Your dentist will clean your teeth and can also give you advice on how to maintain good oral hygiene during your pregnancy. You should see a dentist regularly during your pregnancy so that they can monitor the health of your gums, teeth and mouth. Making an appointment if you notice that your gums are bleeding is important so that your dentist can rule out any potentially more serious issues. Your dentist can also help with other common oral health problems during pregnancy, such as dry mouth and enamel erosion.

Maintaining Oral Health in Pregnancy

Your dentist can help you to care for your gums during your pregnancy, but there’s also plenty that you can do for yourself. Keeping up your usual daily oral hygiene is important throughout your pregnancy. Brushing and flossing will help to prevent plaque buildup. Use a fluoride toothpaste to ensure you clean your teeth well. You might also want to switch to a toothbrush with soft bristles and try to brush gently. Brushing too harshly could be rough on your gums, which may already be sensitive. Gentle brushing will help you to avoid exacerbating any inflammation and prevent bleeding.

You can also adjust your diet. Try to avoid having sugary drinks and foods with lots of sugar too often. Choosing healthy snacks can help you to cut down on sugar and keep your diet healthier. It’s also a good idea to avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol. If you haven’t already, quitting smoking will prevent gum disease from getting worse. However, you should listen to your doctor’s advice on quitting during pregnancy, as some women are advised not to.

Our Nashua dentists at Rose Dental can help if you are experiencing bleeding gums during pregnancy. Get in touch today to make an appointment.