You've surely heard of pregnancy gingivitis, a clinical situation characterised by the presence of pronounced gum inflammation during pregnancy.
Actually, anyone is prone to developing this type of inflammation, however, I've decided to dedicate this chronicle to expectant mothers as this is a very common situation, which raises many doubts and even fears.
Pregnancy is a special, significant period, experienced differently by each woman. There are many things to consider, many changes occurring simultaneously and rapidly, and this is an issue that, when not causing pain, attacks silently, which is why I alert and insist heavily on prevention! Regular visits to the dentist are extremely important, even before thinking about getting pregnant.
The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy predispose to increased gum fragility, which, combined with the presence of bacterial plaque, easily leads to a situation of gum inflammation. Many of my pregnant patients report that when brushing their teeth, they feel nauseous, provoked by the toothbrush or even the toothpaste, which leads to defensive attitudes when carrying out their daily oral hygiene. This behaviour quickly leads to poor hygiene habits that increase the build-up of plaque and tartar, contributing to the onset of gingivitis and cavities.
The symptoms presented, in most cases, include redness of the gums, pain, and in a large number of cases, noticeable gum bleeding, especially during tooth brushing.
The worsening of this situation could have negative repercussions on the development of the fetus and even lead to premature births. Therefore, correct and early diagnosis and treatment are very important.
The treatment of pregnancy gingivitis, in the first line of action, involves a deep cleaning of the oral cavity which can only be carried out by a Dentist or Dental Hygienist (Yes, dental consultations during pregnancy can be undertaken without any issues). From there, the inflammation symptoms generally improve, but follow-up appointments should be maintained.
Remember that your baby's health depends on maintaining your own health!
