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Pregnancy gingivitis refers to the specific condition where inflammation of the gingiva is clearly tied to a woman’s pregnancy. As is the case for “classic” gingivitis, increased bleeding is one of the main symptoms of this condition. Pregnancy gingivitis often first occurs late in the first trimester, and peaks in the eighth month, dissipating shortly after delivery.
While gingivitis — a precursor to periodontal disease — can affect anyone at any time, the term “pregnancy gingivitis” is distinct because its circumstantial causes and considerations are more nuanced than general instances of gingivitis and gum inflammation.
The most important fact for patients to know is that pregnancy gingivitis is not at all uncommon. Research suggests that this condition affects between 60 and 75% of pregnant women, meaning that an expectant mother is more likely than not to experience it.
At the same time, there is a pervasive lack of awareness around pregnancy gingivitis. A questionnaire in 2019 found that a “Majority of pregnant women were found unaware about developing of pregnancy gingivitis as well as the cause, effects, treatment, and preventive measures for the same.”
With this in mind, it is all the more critical for providers to be proactively equipped with credible information about causes, concerns, and recommendations.
The measures for preventing and combating pregnancy gingivitis are largely the same as those for preventing general oral health issues. But they take on added emphasis during this very crucial time of bodily change.
If you learn that a patient is pregnant, it may be helpful to walk them through the underlying causes and symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis, while laying out a clear plan for prevention and management. This could include:
- Commitment to at-home oral care rituals. Brush twice a day and practice interdental cleaning regularly. If the patient is already experiencing inflammation and soreness, you may want to help them find an extra-soft toothbrush, while demonstrating gentle techniques.
- Eat a healthy diet. Many expectant mothers are already taking extra care with what they eat and drink, knowing that it affects more than just them. As a dental professional, you can help steer them toward teeth-friendly options like fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy, while urging minimal intake of sugars, starches, and acids.
- Pay an extra visit to the dentist. While cleaning and checkup visits are typically recommended once every six months or so, it might be worth advising a pregnant woman who is concerned about gingivitis to come in once extra time during the nine-month pregnancy, just for peace of mind. You can examine their gums, regroup on the preventive plan, and offer comforting assurance. To prevent any unnecessary alarm or pressure, frame this as totally optional for the patient.
One other common habit for pregnant women who are experiencing gingivitis is to routinely swish salt water around in the mouth for a few seconds and then spit it out. Sea salt can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Additionally, for those women who are experiencing nausea and vomiting as a result of morning sickness, make sure to advise they wait at least 30 minutes after throwing up before brushing, as the acidic content of vomit can pair with abrasives in toothpaste to damage enamel.
Finally, if a pregnant woman suffers from pregnancy gingivitis, or even worse, periodontitis, it is good to know that periodontal treatment is both safe and effective. Research shows that by delivering dental prophylaxis and follow-up oral hygiene instructions, you are able to improve all relevant clinical measurements, such as bleeding and plaque indices, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss.
