Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Gingivitis during Pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, you’re facing a particularly sensitive time in your oral health. Gingivitis, the inflammation of gum tissue, is especially common early and late in pregnancy, as well as during menarche and menopause. We at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs want our patients to maintain good oral health, but also to understand what is normal and expected.


The gums can become inflamed in response to physical irritants, as well as the acid secreted by oral bacteria stuck to tartar. Gingivitis is the milder form of gum disease, with periodontitis being the more severe stage. Early symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding and puffiness, are so common that many people fail to recognize them as problems. During pregnancy, the body is flooded with a hormone called progesterone, which increases blood flow to the gums and makes them much more reactive to irritants.


Although some gingival bleeding may be unavoidable during pregnancy, patients should still practice regular brushing and flossing to keep oral bacteria under control. It is important not to damage the gums by overbrushing them, but this could be a good time to seek a deep cleaning at our dental office. We can also demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques and review a patient’s oral hygiene habits, such as using non-alcoholic mouthwash and sugar-free gum.


Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour operate Southern Cross Dental at 1855 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905-2516. To schedule an appointment, call 719-471-1717 or visit Southern Cross Family Dentistry and fill out a contact sheet.


 

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