Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Hormones fluctuate during pregnancy, causing physiological changes to accommodate the growing baby. Pregnancy hormones impact your weight, emotional state, energy, appetite, skin, and other effects. Pregnancy cravings aren’t always healthful or nutrient-dense. Some food choices may also exacerbate or lead to unfavorable oral conditions. Up to 80% of pregnant women have gingivitis, which causes gum inflammation. Gingivitis causes swollen gums, bad breath, and bleeding gums. How can pregnant women safely heal their bleeding gums? Today on the blog, our Erwin family dentists at Tusculum Dental Care share details about what’s causing your gums to bleed during pregnancy and how effective treatments can protect you and your baby.
Estrogen and Progesterone Cause Gum Tissue Swelling
Mucus membranes and sinus inflammation may occur late in the first trimester or early in the second due to hormonal changes, including the rise in progesterone and estrogen that occurs naturally during pregnancy. Our Greeneville dentists who provide dental care for pregnant women explain that these hormones may also cause swelling of the gums, which can lead to bleeding or a heightened reaction to oral bacteria and plaque. Pregnancy gingivitis is the name given to periodontal problems that might occur during pregnancy. Although your gum tissue may recover to normal after your pregnancy, it’s still vital to seek treatment for gum disease if it’s present to protect your oral and overall health and wellness.
Ignoring Pregnancy Gingivitis Consequences
You must take care of your teeth and gums throughout pregnancy. Preterm delivery and low birth weight in infants have been associated with pregnancy-related gingivitis and full-blown gum disease instances. Further, our Jonesborough dentists warn that pregnant gingivitis may progress to a more serious form of gum disease that could cause tooth or jaw bone loss. Given the association between gum disease and preterm delivery, it’s crucial to maintain optimal oral health during pregnancy.
Treating Gingivitis While Pregnant
The good news is that gum disease treatment is safe during pregnancy. It’s possible that a thorough cleaning is all that’s needed to alleviate your problems, restore gum health, and safeguard the health of both you and your unborn child’s grin. Be sure to tell our dentists in Erwin that treat pregnant patients that you’re expecting, and bring up any concerns you have regarding gum disease. Your dentist will be able to examine your mouth thoroughly and advise you on the best course of treatment after taking into account the specifics of your case.
Dentist Who Treats Pregnant Women in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee
If you’re pregnant and have gum tissue that’s bleeding, you shouldn’t disregard the problem. It’s vital to make an appointment to see our Greeneville dentists so that we can determine whether or not you’re suffering from pregnant gingivitis and provide you with advice on how to maintain a healthy mouth for both you and your unborn child. To find out more information about the gingivitis and pregnancy connection or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, please call Tusculum Dental Care at (423) 639-7575 or contact us online to request an appointment.