Bleeding gums are significantly more common during pregnancy. This condition, often called pregnancy gingivitis, affects 60% to 75% of expectant mothers. It is an inflammation that causes redness, swelling, and tenderness, making the tissue prone to bleeding during routine brushing or flossing. This frequent symptom signals a need for diligent oral hygiene and professional dental care.
The Hormonal Basis of Increased Gum Sensitivity
The increased gum sensitivity is directly tied to the hormonal shifts that occur during pregnancy. Elevated levels of sex hormones, specifically progesterone and estrogen, drive changes in the oral cavity. Progesterone promotes the dilation and proliferation of the tiny blood vessels that supply the gum tissues. This increased blood flow makes the gums much more reactive to bacterial plaque.
These hormones also alter the body’s inflammatory response to bacteria residing in the mouth. The gums become more susceptible to irritation and inflammation, even from small amounts of plaque. The combination of heightened blood flow and an altered immune reaction leads to characteristic swelling, redness, and easy bleeding when mechanical pressure is applied. This response often increases as hormone levels peak, becoming more noticeable during the second trimester.
Identifying Pregnancy Gingivitis
Pregnancy gingivitis is the mild stage of gum disease, characterized by gums that appear red, tender, and swollen, and bleed when brushed or flossed. This inflammation is caused by the body’s overreaction to plaque accumulation, exacerbated by pregnancy hormones. Gingivitis is a reversible condition, meaning the inflamed tissue can return to a healthy state with proper professional care and diligent home hygiene.
It is important to distinguish this from periodontitis, the more severe, destructive form of gum disease. Periodontitis involves chronic inflammation that progresses beyond the gum tissue to attack underlying structures, including the bone and ligaments supporting the teeth. Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis is not reversible and can result in deep pockets, gum recession, and eventually tooth loss. Untreated pregnancy gingivitis can advance to this more serious stage.
Protecting Your Oral Health During Gestation
Maintaining a meticulous oral hygiene routine is the primary method for managing heightened sensitivity during pregnancy. Gentle but thorough brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste minimizes irritation while effectively removing plaque. Daily flossing is also necessary to clean between the teeth and beneath the gumline, targeting areas where bacteria thrive.
Routine professional dental care should be maintained throughout pregnancy, with many dentists recommending a cleaning every trimester to manage plaque and calculus buildup. Discussing your pregnancy status with the dental team is important, as they can tailor procedures and recommend necessary antimicrobial or fluoride mouth rinses. Dietary adjustments are also helpful, specifically reducing sugary snacks and beverages, which feed the bacteria that form plaque.
Some expectant mothers experience morning sickness, which can expose teeth to damaging stomach acid. After vomiting, avoid brushing immediately, as this wears away softened enamel. Instead, rinse the mouth thoroughly with water or a baking soda solution to neutralize the acid. This proactive approach limits plaque, the underlying trigger for hormonally exaggerated gum inflammation.
Potential Systemic Implications for Mother and Baby
While pregnancy gingivitis is generally mild and resolves after delivery, progression to severe, untreated periodontitis carries systemic risks. Severe periodontal disease creates a state of chronic infection and inflammation that can affect the entire body. Research links moderate to severe periodontitis with adverse pregnancy outcomes, specifically an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
The proposed mechanism involves inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and prostaglandins, produced by the mother’s immune response to the oral infection. These substances can enter the bloodstream and travel to the placenta, potentially triggering an inflammatory cascade that contributes to premature labor. Oral bacteria, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, have also been identified in the placenta and amniotic fluid of some mothers who experienced preterm birth. Managing gum health is considered a component of overall wellness for both the mother and the developing baby.