During pregnancy , changes in the functioning of all organ systems occur in the body of every woman. Very often, such transformations cannot be called pleasant. Many future mothers complain that they began to bleed gums during pregnancy. The reasons for this phenomenon are many, from the most harmless to quite serious.
Causes of Gum Bleeding
Many pregnant women report, if not the appearance of blood during brushing, then redness of the gums for sure. There can be many reasons for this condition, here are some of them:
- gum disease or gingivitis;
- non-compliance with oral hygiene;
- a change in the composition of saliva, which occurs under the influence of hormones;
- during this period, enamel reduces its strength;
- toxicosis;
- if the gums bleed during pregnancy in the third trimester, then most often the cause is a lack of calcium in the body;
- general decrease in immunity.
The first steps in detecting bleeding gums
Many women are immediately afraid of this phenomenon, but there is no need to panic prematurely, especially in this situation. "If gums bleed during pregnancy, what should I do?" - This is the first question that flies off the lips of a future mom. The first step is to rinse your mouth with water, and even better with herbal infusions.
It is advisable to consult in advance which phyto-collection in this position is prohibited, for example, it is not recommended to use:
- chamomile;
- linden flowers;
- walnut leaves;
- goose cinquefoil.
Of the common remedies at this moment, you can call juice from the leaves of Kalanchoe (it can be rubbed directly into the gum), a mixture of honey and salt.
When such a problem arises, one should not hope that it will go away on its own. If you do not go to the dentist in time, then this can result in more serious complications. Even if you notice the usual swelling of the gums without signs of bleeding, then this is an occasion to visit a doctor.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
If you notice blood while brushing your teeth only a couple of times, then most likely the reason is hormonal changes. But most often during pregnancy, gingivitis aggravates or appears for the first time. Consider its signs.
- Swelling and redness of the gums.
- There was an itch in the gum area.
- Bleeding occurs after brushing your teeth or eating solid foods.
- The gingival papillae become domed.
- An unpleasant aftertaste and smell appear in the mouth.
- Pain in the oral cavity.
- There may even be an increase in body temperature.
It is worth noting that gingivitis is of two types:
The first variety is usually characterized by mild or moderate severity, can capture the area of 1-2 teeth or a larger part.
Hypertrophic gingivitis can occur even with the appearance of blood even at night, the papillae between the teeth increase, in some cases they can cover the tooth more than half.
When any symptoms of gingivitis appear, or if the gums bleed during pregnancy, it is necessary first of all to see a specialist.
Manifestations of gingivitis at different stages of pregnancy
Usually, for the first time, a woman can discover discomfort and blood in her mouth when brushing her teeth at the end of the first trimester. At this time, hormonal adjustment reaches its maximum.
The procedure for brushing your teeth becomes painful, even eating solid food becomes uncomfortable. If at this time, in order to avoid unpleasant sensations, a woman ceases to engage in oral hygiene, then the symptoms will not only not disappear, but will gradually worsen.
The gums bleed even more during pregnancy in the third trimester, the photo below demonstrates this well. Most often, the front teeth are susceptible to this process, this phenomenon can also be observed after filling, prosthetics, as these procedures injure the gums and exacerbate gingivitis.
The last trimester is no longer so responsible in terms of laying the baby’s internal organs, so a doctor may recommend some medications for treatment.
Influence of the inflammatory process on fetal development
In plaque, which constantly accumulates on the surface of the teeth of each person, bacteria are contained. If you do not clean it in time, then the microflora begins to secrete a lot of toxins, which, getting into the blood, can harm the baby.
In addition, these same toxic substances can provoke premature uterine contractions, which will lead to childbirth at the wrong time.
It is also worth noting that diseases of the gums and teeth in the mother during pregnancy can lead to problems with the teeth in the child in the future. Since their laying occurs already in the fifth week of fetal development. Based on this, it can be concluded that if the gums bleed during pregnancy, then the doctor should solve the problem.
Gum bleeding therapy
During the first visit to the dentist with such a problem, the doctor will ask you about the symptoms of the disease, examine the oral cavity, and take an interest in the gestational age. In different trimesters, this problem can be solved differently.
After a detailed study of the condition of your gums, the specialist will determine the therapy.
- If plaque became the cause of bleeding, the doctor will cleanse his teeth and remove tartar. During pregnancy, using ultrasound is undesirable, so this procedure will be carried out with a hand tool.
- Antiseptic agents are prescribed to stop the inflammatory process. During pregnancy, “Chlorhexidine” can be used. Rinse your mouth in the morning and evening.
- The doctor may prescribe an application, for example, using Metrogil Dent (this drug is only allowed in the third trimester).
If the gums bleed during pregnancy, the reasons may be different, but the main thing is to eliminate them, and only a highly qualified specialist can do this.
Prohibited Pregnancy Treatments
If you visit a dentist in the early stages of pregnancy, when the tummy is not yet visible, then you must inform the doctor. In an interesting position, some drugs and methods of treatment are prohibited, for example:
- the use of arsenic is unacceptable;
- Do not whiten teeth;
- prosthetics is undesirable;
- anesthesia should be carried out only with gentle drugs and in a small dosage.
The best way to avoid all the undesirable consequences after dental treatment during pregnancy is to visit the dentist before it occurs.
Herbal medicine against gum disease
If the gum bleeds during pregnancy, then alternative methods of treatment are quite capable of helping. Many plants have antiseptic properties no worse than medicines, and at the same time are harmless to mother and baby.
This category includes:
- oak bark ;
- St. John's wort
- sage;
- calendula.
To prepare a medicinal decoction, you need to take 2 tablespoons of grass (you can mix), pour a glass of boiling water, insist or boil for a couple of minutes. Then strain and can be used to rinse. It is advisable to do this procedure every time after a meal.
Toothpaste as a means of preventing bleeding
Currently, manufacturers of toothpastes already produce not only preventive, but also therapeutic options. On sale you can find products that can stop bleeding gums and reduce inflammation.
If the process has gone too far, then you can’t get away with just one paste. It is necessary to remove plaque and polish the teeth, all these procedures are done manually. After them, the doctor can advise you which toothpaste is better to use. It can just become an additional tool in the treatment of gingivitis or in the fight against bleeding gums.
Prevention of bleeding gums
In order not to have to feel for yourself how the gums bleed during pregnancy, it is better to do prevention. This is much easier to do than treat for a long time. To do this, you must follow some simple recommendations:
- Carefully monitor your oral cavity.
- Brush your teeth twice a day for three minutes.
- The brush should have a soft or medium hard bristle, so as not to damage the surface of the gums.
- After eating, rinse your mouth to avoid plaque formation.
- Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits.
- Limit sweets and other sweets.
If you still can’t avoid the problem, and you notice that the gums bleed during pregnancy, then do not self-medicate, but hurry to the dentist.