Is it normal to have bleeding gums during pregnancy?
Bacteria in plaque on teeth make the gums more sensitive during pregnancy and during menstruation, due to hormonal changes in the body. About half of pregnant women experience swollen, painful, and bleeding gums. This is called gingivitis during pregnancy, a mild form of gum disease.
You may also develop a small lump on your gums that is benign (not cancerous) and usually painless. This relatively rare lump is called a pregnancy tumor or pyogenic granuloma. It usually disappears after the baby is born; but if it doesn't, causes difficulty chewing and brushing, or starts bleeding a lot, it may need to be removed.
Can gingivitis during pregnancy affect my developing baby?
In a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, researchers found that germs from diseased gums can travel to the uterus through the bloodstream. In fact, traces of microbes from the mother's mouth have been found in the fluid surrounding the baby and in the blood inside the umbilical cord. According to their published findings, pregnant women with severe gum disease have a four to seven times higher risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and very high blood pressure (preeclampsia) than healthy pregnant women.
More research is needed to support this claim, but why take the risk? Prevention is always better than cure, as the saying goes! If you already have problems with swollen or bleeding gums, there is a chance that pregnancy will worsen the problem. See an M.D.S. Periodontist (gum disease specialist) for an opinion and treatment.
My humble recommendations:
- To avoid problems, get any dental problems treated early in pregnancy or ideally before baby planning.
- Eat a healthy diet and maintain oral hygiene during pregnancy.
