Gum Bleeding during Pregnancy: Everything You Need to Know
Pregnancy can be an exhilarating journey filled with anticipation and wonder. However, it can also bring about many body changes, including oral health. One such change that can occur is gum bleeding during pregnancy. This may raise questions and concerns: is it normal? When does it stop? What causes it? Can it lead to miscarriage? And how can it be treated? In this blog post, we’ll answer all these questions and more.
First and foremost, let's tackle the initial concern:
Is gum bleeding during pregnancy normal?
The answer, in brief, is yes. During pregnancy, your body experiences significant hormonal changes, primarily a surge in progesterone and oestrogen levels. These hormones increase blood flow to the mucous membranes, including your gums, making them more sensitive and prone to inflammation and bleeding. This condition is known as pregnancy gingivitis and is relatively common among pregnant individuals.
Pregnancy gingivitis usually manifests during the third trimester, when your oestrogen and progesterone levels peak.
Interestingly, bleeding gums can be an early sign of pregnancy for some due to hormonal fluctuations that affect your body even in the initial stages of pregnancy.
Symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis
Symptoms may include swollen, tender gums that bleed easily when brushed or flossed. Occasionally, some people may develop a small lump or nodule on their gums, known as a pregnancy tumour or pyogenic granuloma. Despite its intimidating name, it's harmless, typically painless, and can appear anywhere on the body during pregnancy, though most commonly in the mouth.
Can gum infections lead to miscarriage?
Although there's been some conjecture around the topic, it's crucial to understand that this risk is only potential for severe gum disease, not typical pregnancy gingivitis. If managed with good dental hygiene, pregnancy gingivitis is unlikely to harm you or your baby.
How can you manage gum bleeding during pregnancy?
Visiting a dentist and hygienist regularly should be your first line of defence. You'll be pleased to know that NHS dental care is free for pregnant individuals, so don't put off seeking help for dental problems. If necessary, local anaesthetics like lidocaine are safe to use throughout pregnancy, as are most antibiotics.
Secondly, practising good oral hygiene is paramount.
Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day
Floss daily
Use a mouth rinse to keep your mouth clean and healthy (at a different time to brushing)
You can read our complete guide on maintaining excellent oral hygiene here.
Home remedies for bleeding gums
You might also want to adopt some home remedies to further alleviate your symptoms.
A daily salt rinse (one teaspoon of salt added to one cup of warm water) can help keep gum inflammation at bay.
Brushing with a paste of baking soda and water can help remove more plaque, hence reducing inflammation. If you experience morning sickness, baking soda can also help neutralise any harmful acids on your teeth.
In conclusion
While gum bleeding during pregnancy can be concerning, remember that it's relatively normal and manageable with proper care and hygiene. Consult with your dentist regularly, maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine, and don't hesitate to seek treatment for any dental issues you might face during this journey.
Pregnancy is a remarkable period of life; embrace it, knowing you're well-equipped to handle all the changes it brings, including those affecting your oral health.
If you have any more questions, speak to our online dentists for some instant advice.
