Pregnancy Gingivitis: Three Things All Mums-To-Be Should Know
There are 101 things that you have on your mind as you move through your pregnancy, but gingivitis is probably not one of them. However, once you enter your second month of pregnancy, your gingivitis odds increase through to the end of your pregnancy. Here are the three main things you need to know about pregnancy gingivitis and how you can fight back.
Why The Increased Chance Of Gingivitis During Pregnancy?
The reason why your chances of gingivitis increases are because of the increased amount of progesterone that your body produces as your pregnancy progresses. Gingivitis is caused by bacterial plaque that builds up on your teeth. However, when this plaque meets an increased level of progesterone, the rate at which it grows increases. This increased growth will lead to gingivitis taking hold quickly if it is left to get out of control.
What Can You Do To Curtail Gingivitis?
Diet plays an important role in keeping the bacteria in your mouth from getting out of control during pregnancy as some foods are more likely to cause the bacteria to grow than others. Try to avoid foods that are high in sugar at this time as bacteria thrives on them. Additionally, a balanced diet that includes antioxidants such as citrus fruits, nuts and leafy green vegetables will help your mouth to fight bacterial infection.
This is also the time to be very vigilant about maintaining your teeth cleaning habits. Brush your teeth twice a day, use a mouthwash to rinse and use floss to remove any bacteria that are lurking between your teeth. These three daily processes will help keep the bacteria levels in your mouth low.
What Can Your Dentist Do To Curtail Gingivitis?
Once your pregnancy has been confirmed, make an appointment to see your dentist and discuss an increased cleaning schedule while you are pregnant. Have your teeth checked and cleaned as soon as you can after pregnancy diagnosis, and then make regular appointments as recommended by your dentist. While your teeth may not need to be cleaned at each visit, the chances of gingivitis getting out of control during the pregnancy and doing permanent damage will be reduced when your dentist is keeping a watchful eye on your mouth.
You are already going to be busy taking care of your body and your unborn child during pregnancy, but it is important that your teeth are not neglected during these nine months too. Keep these points in mind when it comes to your teeth and your chances of pregnancy gingivitis causing problems will be greatly reduced.
Consult with a dentist like Dr Bala Subramaniam Vasanthini B.D.S. if you have specific questions about oral hygiene habits.
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