During pregnancy, pregnant women are susceptible to health problems such as nausea, vomiting, and oral health diseases include swollen gums and easy bleeding. Normally, the issue of swollen gums and easy bleeding is not a cause for concern and will resolve spontaneously following childbirth. Read on to learn about pregnancy-related gum swelling, its causes, and treatment options.

Why do swollen gums occur during pregnancy?

Pregnancy gingivitis refers to the condition of swollen gums that occurs during pregnancy. Pregnant women can face a common health issue known as swollen gums during pregnancy. According to the CDC, this disorder affects approximately 75% of pregnant women globally.

There are numerous causes of swollen gums during pregnancy, including:

Hormonal changes

The concentrations of the hormones progesterone and estrogen increase during pregnancy. Estrogen is a hormone that improves uterine size and blood supply for a developing baby. Progesterone has multiple functions, such as strengthening the immune system to protect against the presence of a baby, preparing the breasts for the production of breast milk, and maintaining relaxation of the uterine muscles throughout pregnancy.

Plaque accumulation

Hormonal fluctuations can also affect the body's common reaction to periodontal-causing bacteria. This promotes the accumulation of plaque on the teeth and increases the susceptibility of pregnant women to gingivitis. Gingivitis severity typically increases during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Pregnant women who frequently crave sugary foods and lack proper dental care may experience dental and gum disease.

Increased circulation of blood to the gums

Fluctuations in hormones can also lead to an increase in blood circulation in the gums, resulting in increased sensitivity and swelling. Gum swelling during pregnancy can happen at any moment, although it usually happens in the second trimester.

What are the symptoms of swollen gums during pregnancy?

The symptoms of swollen gums during pregnancy are similar to those of gum inflammation in general, which include:

• The gum tissue seems sore, enlarged, or red.
• Gums bleeding
• Gums receded
• Sensitive teeth
• Pain or discomfort when chewing
• Unstable dental structures
• Foul breath

Swollen gums are prone to bleeding easily. Although swollen gums are not a condition that poses a threat to the mother or the fetus, they may result in complications that increase the risk of premature birth, preeclampsia, and low birth weight if they are not treated effectively.

Tips for treating swollen gums during pregnancy

Besides physical health and stamina, it is important for pregnant women to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Removal of plaque from teeth and gums is the basic treatment for swollen gums during pregnancy. Treatments for swollen gums include:

• Regularly brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste
• Dental flossing to remove debris from between the teeth, which is inaccessible during brushing
• Limit intake of sugary foods and beverages
• Avoid using mouthwash containing alcohol
• Stop up smoking
• Follow your doctor's instructions when taking antibiotics

Additionally, to avoid developing swollen gums during pregnancy, you should maintain a healthy diet and schedule routine dental examinations. Brush your teeth after every meal, but especially after consuming sugary foods.

Pregnant women might experience the frequent complaint of swollen gums during pregnancy. Pregnant women can avoid the progression of swollen gums into severe issues by maintaining proper oral hygiene and attending regular dental examinations. If you have inquiries regarding dental health, you can either visit a dentist or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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