Pregnancy comes with a lot of new concerns, like seeing blood in the sink when brushing. While this isn’t uncommon for expectant mothers, it’s worth seeing a dentist to ensure nothing major is happening. Bleeding gums during pregnancy could lead to danger for your baby if an infection is present.
Understanding Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy often cause the gums to become inflamed, a condition referred to as pregnancy gingivitis. The rise in estrogen and progesterone leaves gums swollen and tender, which is why they might bleed when brushing and flossing. This can happen during any part of pregnancy, but it is most common in the third trimester when hormones peak.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 60% to 75% of pregnant people have gingivitis. While bleeding gums are not uncommon, they are more likely to happen in women who:
- Had poor oral hygiene prior to pregnancy. If a patient didn’t brush or floss regularly before pregnancy, it’s likely their teeth and gums have already been harboring bacteria that irritates the gums.
- Suffer from morning sickness. Toothpaste makes some women queasy during pregnancy, so they are likely to skip brushing and allow bacteria into the gumline.
- Crave sweets. Many women crave ice cream, milkshakes, and candy when pregnant, all of which are loaded with sugar. When teeth aren’t brushed regularly, the sugar left on them turns into plaque, which can easily make its way into gums and exacerbate inflammation.
How Can I Stop My Gums from Bleeding?
Although inflammation can persist throughout pregnancy, there are ways to minimize bleeding gums.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Use a soft-bristle brush at least twice a day. This makes bristles less likely to irritate tender gums and make them bleed. While large doses of fluoride are not recommended, the American Academy of Pediatrics has found that as long as expectant mothers use just a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, very little fluoride is ingested while brushing teeth — and even less makes its way to the fetus through the placenta. If mint toothpaste makes you nauseated, try another flavor or opt for a children’s toothpaste that’s milder or unflavored.
While brushing, make sure to focus on the gum line where bacteria and plaque could be lingering, and make sure to floss to remove debris that gathers between teeth. Swish with alcohol-free mouthwash for an added layer of protection against bacteria.
Schedule a Dentist Appointment
If it has been a while since your last dental visit, it’s important to schedule one now. Not only will a routine cleaning get rid of harmful bacteria that could be irritating your gums, but a dentist will determine if your bleeding gums during pregnancy are normal or if a bigger concern is present.
If plaque and tartar have reached below the gumline and caused the gums to detach from the tooth, scaling and root planing may be recommended. This procedure helps to relieve irritation in the gums and helps the gums reattach to the root.
Your dentist will also want to rule out any decay that’s been left untreated. An abscess or infection can form in the gums or in teeth that have cavities. Abscesses can burst and bleed, so it’s important to make sure this isn’t the reason your gums are bleeding.
If the dentist wants to take X-rays, don’t panic. While not all X-rays are safe during pregnancy, dental X-rays only focus on the mouth and use very small amounts of radiation. Wearing a protective apron further blocks any radiation exposure to the fetus. X-rays can quickly diagnose problems that could affect a mother’s health and her baby’s, so their benefits far outweigh any risks.
Do Bleeding Gums Cause Pregnancy Complications?
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and it often subsides after pregnancy. But if oral hygiene is ignored and gingivitis becomes severe, it can develop into a more severe disease called periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a gum infection that can lead to soft tissue and bone loss, which eventually causes teeth to fall out. According to the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, it has also been linked to negative pregnancy outcomes including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, and low birthweight. While more research needs to be performed to confirm the adverse link between gum disease and pregnancy, researchers hypothesize that it’s due to bacteria spreading to the placenta.
If a dentist suspects you have periodontitis, he or she will prescribe antibiotics to stop the infection from spreading, and refer you to a periodontist. Nonsurgical options such as scaling and root planing may be an option, or surgery such as a bone graft may be necessary.
Although Bleeding Gums Are Normal During Pregnancy, a Dentist Should Rule Out Bigger Issues
Your best bet for a healthy pregnancy is to schedule an exam with a dentist. They will determine if hormonal changes during pregnancy are what’s causing bleeding gums or if you have a more severe issue that needs to be treated. A good dentist will want what’s best for you and your baby, so book an appointment near you today.