Did you know that you can develop “pregnancy gingivitis?” It’s due to the hormonal changes that pregnant women experience. Hormones can affect your oral health, and not in a good way. Hormonal peaks and spikes can cause your gums to over-react to the bacterial plaque that takes up residence in our mouths on a daily basis. This plaque coats your teeth and the area along your gumline. Because it consists of saliva, food debris, harmful bacteria, and the acids that bacteria excrete, in under the best conditions plaque can irritate your gums and lead to gingivitis. So, if you’re pregnant and your gums feel sore, notify your dentist ASAP so he or she can determine if you are developing “pregnancy gingivitis.”
Avoiding Pregnancy Gingivitis
There are ways to avoid pregnancy gingivitis which include the following:
- Brush in the morning, before bed, and after each meal during your pregnancy with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day.
- If you can’t brush in the morning, or throughout the day, due to morning sickness, rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash that contains fluoride, and preferably one that does not contain alcohol because it dries your mouth.
- Eat plenty of foods that contain vitamins B12 and C.
- It can be very tempting to skip your dental cleanings, especially if you are tired or not feeling well during your pregnancy, but don’t. They are as important now as ever.
Already Have Gingivitis?
If you already have been diagnosed with gingivitis and are now pregnant, chances are your pregnancy will exacerbate your condition. Even if you’ve never had gingivitis, there is a chance you may develop it during pregnancy. Symptoms include swollen, red, tender, bleeding gums (usually when you brush or floss), and is the earliest stage of gum disease. Left untreated periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.
CALL JUST WRIGHT DENTAL IN CORSICANA, TX TODAY!
At Just Wright Dental, our priority is ensuring that every visit is a comfortable and friendly experience, and that all of our patients understand every stage of their diagnosis, planning, and treatment. To find out what a difference our patient-centered approach can make, schedule your consultation with Dr. Justin Wright and our team by calling our dental office in Corsicana, TX today at (903) 225-2221. We also proudly welcome patients from Navarro County, TX, and the surrounding communities, including Corsicana, Mildred, Eureka, Ennis, Fairfield, Teague, Blooming Grove, Dawson, Hubbard, Hillsboro, Mexia, Groesbeck, Kerens, Malakoff, Rice, Centerville, Buffalo, and Athens.