Pregnancy & Baby 

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Are dental problems normal during pregnancy?

It is common to have dental problems associated with pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis is probably the most prevalent. With this condition, the gums are usually red and swollen. They can also bleed easily and become very sore or sensitive. This increased gingival inflammation is usually first seen around the second month of pregnancy and reaches its maximum about the eighth month. During the second month of gestation, there is an increased level of circulating progesterone and oestrogen. These hormone levels rise during the eighth month. The usual decrease in inflammation in the ninth month follows a decrease in the level of these hormones. Thus there seems to be a direct correlation between the levels of progesterone and oestrogen and the level of gingival inflammation.

Studies have also shown that there is an alteration in the bacterial levels surrounding the gum tissue and that the immune system responds differently to plaque during pregnancy. These changes are of great interest to dental researchers.

The best way to avoid or alleviate the gingival problems associated with pregnancy is to practise good oral hygiene. This includes thoroughly brushing your teeth at least twice a day and careful flossing at least once daily. Rinsing with mouthwash or warm salt water may also help, but you should be careful not to swallow. The warm salt water can help to soothe the tissues, but the best treatment is good plaque control.

It is possible that calculus or tartar below the gum line may be present, which will constantly irritate the gums and create more inflammation. Some scaling and root planing may be necessary, although it is advisable to limit care to minimal treatment. If any scaling and root planing is to be done, it should be done in the second trimester.

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