There’s a superstition that says when you gain a child, you will lose a tooth.

Thankfully, this isn’t entirely true. What is true, however, is that pregnancy gingivitis is a common condition that can affect pregnant women and if left untreated, could lead to severe forms of gum disease or even tooth loss.

In today’s Be Natural blog article, we’re sharing the facts about pregnancy gingivitis and how you can help your gums looking and feeling healthy.

What is Pregnancy Gingivitis?

Pregnancy gingivitis is a minor form of gum disease caused by hormonal changes that results in inflamed gums that look look swollen and feel tender. These symptoms will typically appear around the second trimester and you may even notice a little bit of bleeding while brushing and flossing.

If left untreated, pregnancy gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious gum disease that’s associated with premature birth in pregnant women, heart attacks and strokes.

The good news is that preventing and treating pregnancy gingivitis is absolutely do-able and possible.

How Can I Prevent or Treat Pregnancy Gingivitis?

We have 3 simples steps you can take to make sure your oral health is in tip-top shape during your pregnancy.

#1: Brush with a Toothpaste with Natural Ingredients that has Vitamin C!

Because it only takes 6 seconds for chemicals to enter our bloodstream through the gums, it’s important to consider the ingredients in your toothpaste. We say ditch the inflammatory ingredients found in toothpaste like SLS, fluoride, carrageenan, and triclosan.

Instead, introduce nurturing ingredients like vitamin C that actually helps healthy gums by speeding up the healing process. We highly recommend our Coco Chai Toothpaste that has 100% safe and edible ingredients like vitamin C along with coconut oil and neem oil to help prevent cavities.

We also suggest using a soft-bristled toothbrush or the Rejuvenate by Dr. Brite Sonic Toothbrushwith its gentle Gum Care mode to not further irritate your gums.

#2: Swish a Nourishing Mouthwash with Natural Ingredients like Coconut Oil

If you’re exposing tender gums to mouthwash filled with harsh chemicals like alcohol and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), you won’t be doing your gum health any favors.

We recommend switching to a gentle mouthwash with natural and organic ingredients like our Coco Chai Mouthwash that contains coconut oil and aloe vera to help nourish the mouth rather than dry it out. The addition of vitamin C also adds another nurturing boost of healing for sore gums.

#3: Visit a Dentist During Your Pregnancy

While keeping up your daily brushing and flossing routine is important, your dentist can help remove that tough-to-remove plaque from the nooks and crannies found on your teeth’s surface.

Scheduling frequent visits with your dentist during your pregnancy will ensure that your oral health is at its prime and you’ll have one less thing to worry about.

The swelling and sensitivity associated with pregnancy gingivitis should diminish following the delivery of your baby. If your symptoms worsen during or after pregnancy, however, it’s best to visit a local dentist for a deep cleaning and other recommended medical care.

FAQs

1. How long does it take for pregnancy gingivitis to go away?

Despite the fact that gingivitis usually resolves within a few weeks of giving birth, it should still be examined by your dentist regularly (both during and after pregnancy) to ensure it does not progress to the more serious form of periodontitis (gum disease).

2. How common is pregnancy gingivitis?

In research, gingivitis affects anything from less than 40 percent to nearly 80 percent of pregnant women. It is a mild form of gum disease characterized by irritation, redness, and inflammation of the gums and gingiva.

3. Can gingivitis cause birth defects?

Gum illness has been shown to raise your chances of having preterm birth and having a kid with low birth weight, while the exact reasons for this are still being researched.

4. Can gingivitis harm my baby?

You can experience problems in your mouth as well as complications during pregnancy if you have gingivitis. Periodontitis, a more advanced stage of gum disease, can lead to bone loss. If you develop periodontitis while pregnant, your unborn child is at risk for a variety of health problems, including preterm birth and low birth weight.

5. Does gingivitis hurt?

Since gingivitis does not cause discomfort, many people put off seeking treatment. When gum disease is not treated, it can lead to more significant problems with the gum tissue. A chronic infection of the gums, bone, and other tissues that surround and support your teeth can lead to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease.