Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase the risk of developing oral health problems such as gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (loss of bone mass).

As a result of varying hormone levels, 40% of women will suffer from gingivitis at some point during pregnancy – a condition called pregnancy gingivitis.

Increased progesterone levels during pregnancy can facilitate the growth of bacteria responsible for gingivitis, make gum tissue more sensitive to plaque and exaggerate the body’s response to toxins in dental plaque. In fact, if you suffer from significant gum disease, pregnancy can make the situation worse.

 Symptoms of gum disease in pregnancy

Gum inflammation usually occurs between the second and eighth month of pregnancy. Signs of pregnancy gum disease range from slightly red gums that bleed when brushing to severe inflammation and bleeding of the gum tissue.

 Tips to prevent pregnancy gingivitis

Firstly, to avoid pregnancy gingivitis it is important to take care of your oral health, which means brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and using an antibacterial mouthwash. If you are going to have a professional cleaning, don’t cancel it just because you are pregnant. Now, professional dental cleanings are more important than ever.

Dental conditions that do not improve should be treated by a professional dentist. Treatments may include antibiotics and removal of affected tissue.

 Gum disease and premature birth

At least two major studies have shown a link between gum disease and premature birth.

Researchers of one of the studies, who published their results in the American Dental Association journal, found that pregnant women with chronic gum disease were 4-7 times more likely to give birth prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy) and to underweight babies than mothers with healthy gums.

Mothers with the most severe periodontal disease gave birth earliest, at 32 weeks. It is not yet known whether treating gum disease reduces the risk of premature births.

 Epulis (spot) of pregnancy

Sometimes, a large blister with small red bumps forms on the inflamed gum tissue, usually along the upper gum line.

 gum disease. The red blister becomes shiny, may bleed and then form a crust and can cause discomfort, making it uncomfortable.

 lying and talking. This is called pregnancy epulis (plural: epulides) and can occur at any time during pregnancy, although they generally appear in the second trimester.

An epulis is an inflammation of the gums, and if there are more than one, they are called epulides. You may hear about them as “tumours”.

of pregnancy” and it should be clarified that, in this context, tumour means inflammation, NOT cancer.

A rash is an extreme inflammatory reaction to a local irritation (such as food particles or plaque). It occurs in 10% of pregnant women and often in women who also suffer from pregnancy gingivitis.

 Treatments for epulis

  Stains usually disappear by themselves after the baby is born However, if they prevent feeding, your dentist or a specialist may choose to remove them. This involves a simple procedure performed under local anaesthetic. You should bear in mind that the epulis develops again in 50% of cases, even if it was removed during pregnancy.

If the blister is not removed, your dentist will try to determine the possible cause that triggered the development of the tumor – such as plaque – and remove it.

Maintaining good oral hygiene habits (brushing twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing daily, using antibacterial mouthwash) will benefit you.

Studies have shown that gum disease is associated with increased risk of preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight babies (PLBW).

Infection in the oral cavity caused by gum disease enters the bloodstream. The infection circulates through the bloodstream and can affect the fetus. When the infection passes through the placenta, the bacteria create toxicity in the uterus.

PTB or PLBW babies have a higher risk of birth complications, mental retardation, asthma, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, ear infections and even death.

Contact us to set up a dental plan and fight gum disease together:

Schedule a consultation at Bucharest British Dental Place!
Online, HERE.
Phone: 0744 488 812
Where to find us: Two steps from Promenada Mall:
Soseaua Pipera 41, 6th floor, Sector 2, Bucharest.