Many changes during pregnancy can occur due to hormonal factors. One common pregnancy problem is gum disease, or gingivitis, in pregnant women. This condition can occur when the gums become swollen and often bleed or become inflamed.
As many as 40% of women will experience this condition during pregnancy. It usually worsens in the second trimester. Don’t take this condition lightly; if left untreated, research suggests it can lead to premature birth .
Causes of Gingivitis in Pregnant Women
There are many causes of gum and mouth disease. Some of those that attack pregnant women are caused by:
Genetics
According to the American Dental Association, a family history is a risk factor for developing gum disease. This disease usually begins as gingivitis, characterized by swollen, tender gums that may bleed when brushing. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis and ultimately lead to tooth loss.
Tooth Structure
Ill-fitting dental restorations or crooked teeth that are difficult to clean can also be the cause.
Pregnancy Hormones
Gingivitis in pregnant women is also caused by increased levels of estrogen and progesterone. These are important hormones that help your baby grow and develop, but they also cause many changes in your body.
Furthermore, these hormonal changes can increase the risk of bacteria causing tooth infections. As a result, plaque can build up on the teeth, making gingivitis more likely.
Decreased Body Ability to Respond to Plaque Bacteria
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene, which encourages plaque to form on the teeth, causing inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue. Here’s how plaque can lead to gingivitis:
Plaque is an invisible, sticky film composed mostly of bacteria that forms on your teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria normally found in your mouth. Plaque requires daily removal because it regenerates quickly.
Plaque that sticks to teeth can harden below the gum line into tartar (calculus), which attracts bacteria. Tartar makes plaque more difficult to remove, creates a protective barrier for bacteria, and causes irritation along the gum line. You need a professional dental cleaning to remove tartar .
- The gingiva becomes inflamed
The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva (gums), the part of the gums surrounding the base of your teeth, causing inflammation. Over time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. Tooth decay (dental caries) can also occur. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis and ultimately tooth loss.
Increased Blood Flow to Gum Tissue
This condition can be caused by hormonal changes. Blood flow to the gum tissue can increase, making the mouth area more sensitive.
During pregnancy, blood volume will increase. Not infrequently, pregnant women experience increased blood flow to the gums, which can cause the gums to swell and bleed.
Vitamin C Deficiency
Poor nutrition, including vitamin C deficiency, can cause gingivitis in pregnant women. According to research published in the Journal of Theoretical Biology , ascorbic acid deficiency has been shown to be a conditioning factor in the development of gingivitis. When humans are fed a diet deficient in ascorbic acid, there is increased edema , redness, and swelling of the gingiva. These changes have been linked to insufficient collagen production by the gingival blood vessels.
Dry Mouth
Don’t take dry mouth during pregnancy lightly. It can trigger several oral and gum health problems. Dry mouth also increases the risk of gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay, and oral infections, such as canker sores .
Drugs
Certain medications, such as phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) for epileptic seizures , and some calcium channel blockers, used for angina, high blood pressure and other conditions, can also cause gingivitis.
Apart from that, some other factors that can increase the risk of gingivitis include poor oral care habits, smoking or chewing tobacco, older age, conditions that lower immunity such as leukemia , HIV/AIDS or cancer treatment, and even medical conditions such as certain viral and fungal infections.
Symptoms of Gingivitis in Pregnant Women
Tooth inflammation during pregnancy should not be taken lightly as it can have a significant impact on the fetus.
Gingivitis can be considered an early condition that isn’t particularly worrisome. However, if left untreated, it can often progress to periodontitis, a potentially life-threatening gum infection.
There are several symptoms of gingivitis in pregnant women that mothers should pay attention to, including:
- Teeth become more sensitive
- Difficulty or pain when chewing
- Gums become redder or swollen
- Bleeding gums
Risk of Gingivitis in Pregnant Women
There’s no evidence that swollen gums can harm the fetus or cause miscarriage. However, if a pregnant woman experiences gingivitis and it’s not properly treated, it can lead to other problems. For example:
Premature Birth from Low Birth Weight Babies
According to the Cleveland Clinic, if left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which is associated with premature birth and low birth weight .
Tooth Loss
Untreated gingivitis can progress to gum disease that spreads to the underlying tissue and bone (periodontitis), a much more serious condition that can lead to tooth loss.
Systemic Disease
Chronic gingival inflammation has been linked to several systemic diseases, such as respiratory disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis. Some studies suggest that the bacteria responsible for periodontitis can enter your bloodstream through gum tissue, possibly affecting your heart, lungs, and other parts of your body.
Ditch Mouth
Trench mouth , also known as necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis ( NUG), is a severe form of gingivitis that causes painful, infected, bleeding, and ulcerated gums. This condition is rare in developed countries, but common in developing countries with poor nutrition and poor living conditions.
Prevention of Swollen Gums
Come on, Mom, fulfill several types of food intake to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.
To prevent this condition, there are several things that mothers should practice in their daily lives, including:
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Ideally, you should maintain good oral health by brushing your teeth twice a day. Toothpaste containing fluoride provides extra protection. Make sure you use a soft toothbrush that won’t irritate delicate gums, as harsher varieties can.
While you’re at it, make sure you also floss , or brush between your teeth with dental floss, at least once a day. Flossing helps remove trapped food particles and bacteria.
Taking the extra time is well worth the effort. You may even be able to reverse damage and inflammation to your teeth and gums by consistently brushing and flossing .
2. Eat Healthy Food
Every pregnant woman is advised to eat a healthy diet from the first trimester until delivery. Try to eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods, such as:
- fruits
- vegetables
- whole grains
- dairy products.
Choose water or milk over juice and soda. Stay away from sugary or starchy foods, such as candy, pastries, and dried fruit. Over time, all that sugar and starch can attack your teeth and gums.
These tips are not only good for your mouth, but they are also great to follow if you want to keep your body and your unborn baby healthy.
3. Gargle with Sea Salt
Sea salt can reduce inflammation from gingivitis and help heal gums. To try it at home, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water. Gargle this mixture several times and spit it out when finished.
If you can’t gargle with this solution, you can use a safe mouthwash specifically for pregnant women. There are also prescription mouthwashes that can treat gum disease.
4. Visit a Dentist
One of the best ways to prevent gingivitis during pregnancy is to maintain close contact with your dentist. You should visit your dentist at least twice a year, even during pregnancy. Don’t miss your scheduled cleanings ( scalings ), and ask about additional appointments to help monitor your oral health. Your dentist can detect minor issues before they become major problems.
5. Consumption of Antibiotics
If these preventative tips don’t work or your gingivitis is severe, your dentist can help by prescribing oral antibiotics to fight bacterial infections. Remember, don’t buy or take antibiotics without a prescription or doctor’s advice!
Make sure your dentist knows about any possible drug allergies. You should also provide a list of all vitamins, supplements, and other over-the-counter or prescription medications you are taking during pregnancy to avoid potential drug interactions.
In advanced cases, surgery is an option to treat gingivitis in pregnant women.
Foods to Prevent Gingivitis
There are several recommended food intakes to help maintain healthy teeth, gums, and mouth during pregnancy, including:
Green Tea
Surely, you’re already familiar with green tea, which is now increasingly available on the market. Consuming green tea in moderation is apparently very good for dental health during pregnancy, Mom.
This tea contains antioxidants that are good for preventing inflammation in the body, including gum inflammation. Furthermore, its catechin compounds can help gums fight inflammation caused by harmful bacterial infections.
But, don’t consume too much of it, Mom, because this tea still contains caffeine .
Milk and Dairy Products
Consuming milk and some milk products is known to help maintain healthy gums and teeth due to their high calcium and other minerals. Casein, a protein found in milk, is known to help neutralize the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. This can help prevent tooth decay and gum irritation.
So, you can consume several dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, which are safe for pregnant women. Of course, choose products that have been pasteurized.
Carrots and Apples
To prevent tooth and gum disease, try eating crunchy fruits and vegetables. Recommended examples include carrots and apples, Mom.
Both types of vegetables and fruit are high in fiber and stimulate saliva production. This increased saliva production can help flush out bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of infection.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Another food highly recommended for dental and oral health during pregnancy is shiitake mushrooms. The antibacterial properties in these mushrooms are known to help fight plaque-causing bacteria.
In addition, consuming it during pregnancy can also have other benefits such as improving immunity, being good for liver health, and improving the development of the fetal skeletal system.
Onion
Who would have thought that besides adding flavor to food, onions could be a recommended food for dental and oral health. The compounds in onions can apparently help neutralize bacteria in the mouth, thus preventing gum disease and cavities.
So, Moms, let’s take a closer look at the various symptoms of gingivitis in pregnant women and take the preventive measures mentioned above. Hopefully, this information helps you maintain oral and gum health during pregnancy!
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Artikel telah diupdate oleh: Nikita Ferdiaz
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
