Pregnancy gingivitis affects as many as 75% of pregnant people.2
It’s important that you pay special attention to your oral health during pregnancy, because gingivitis can progress to a serious gum disease called periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.
Fortunately, there are steps you can follow to keep pregnancy gingivitis under control.3 The main goal is to avoid letting plaque build up on your teeth, which irritates and inflames your gums.
Brush Twice and Floss at Least Once a Day
You should brush your teeth twice a day. Brush for a full two minutes, and make sure you’re covering all surfaces and gently stimulating your gums as well. You can set a timer to make sure you are brushing for long enough.
Flossing removes food particles where bacteria can grow and form plaque. It also stimulates your gums, which helps keep them healthy.4
Eat a Healthy Diet
Foods that contribute to healthy teeth and gums are many of the same foods that will help your baby be healthy.5
Many fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, like vitamin C, that will help protect your gum tissue from damage and infection. Fresh fruits and vegetables have plenty of nutrients, which are good for your developing baby.
Foods that are high in calcium, such as yogurt, almonds, soy milk, and dark leafy green veggies (such as kale and spinach), can also help keep your teeth strong. Green or black tea contains a substance called polyphenol that can kill or reduce bacteria in your mouth.6
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Even if you brush, floss, and avoid sugar during your pregnancy, you still need to visit your dentist. Dental hygienists can remove more plaque than you can, and the dentist can examine your teeth and gums to address problems before they progress.
Dental hygienists can also remove tartar, which is hardened plaque that must be cleaned off professionally.
Professional Recommendations for Dental Care During Pregnancy
Some dentists—and some pregnant people—feel that dental visits may be risky during pregnancy. However, the American Dental Association, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Pediatrics agree that dental care is safe and important for the vast majority of pregnant people.7 However, if your pregnancy is high risk or you have an underlying health condition, discuss your dental care with your obstetrician and dentist first.
Remove Plaque
Plaque buildup sets off an inflammatory response in your gums, so plaque control is essential when it comes to avoiding pregnancy gingivitis.
In addition to brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist, you can also help control plaque when you:
- Avoid dry mouth: Saliva helps wash plaque away, so if your mouth feels dry, drink water or eat crunchy food, which stimulates saliva production.
- Avoid sugary and starchy foods: These promote the formation of acid when they come in contact with plaque. The acid can erode tooth enamel over time, so plaque can hurt your teeth as well as your gums.
Helpful Pregnancy Gingivitis Products
Regular at-home oral care will help fight pregnancy gingivitis. There are toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain antiseptics intended to kill more of the bacteria that form plaque. They may help break down the film on your teeth that inflames your gums when you have pregnancy gingivitis.
Leave a Reply