Gingivitis in pregnancy sources and treatment
- halitosis
- periodontitis
- periodontal disease
- pregnancy bad breath
- pregnancy gingivitis treatment
- pregnancy gingivitis symptoms
Pregnancy can be a joyful and painful time in a woman’s life. While there is the delight of having a living, breathing person growing inside of you, there are also a variety of “hormonal changes” in your body that can make life miserable. Among the many problems that women face, pregnancy gingivitis might not seem the most dangerous, but it can be one of the most irritating.
Pregnancy bad breath treatment
About 50 percent of all pregnant women experience gingivitis. It is a painful swelling of gums, and during pregnancy, many women suffer from a weak form of the disease. It is usually marked by swollen, red gums that bleed during brushing. Some women also develop bad breath due to this disease. Pregnancy gingivitis occurs because of the hormonal changes in women during pregnancy, which causes the body to degrade its immune system. As a result, there is an increase in the number of bacteria in your mouth. This enhances the development of dental plaque, where many of these bacteria reside, producing flesh-eating enzymes and chemical toxins that lead to tender and swollen gums.
Periodontal disease
What you should know about gingivitis is that it is the beginning of all types of gum diseases. If left untreated, it may lead to a much more dangerous form called periodontal disease, in which that gums and the supporting bones are slowly corroded by bacteria, which can lead to teeth becoming loose and falling out. Also, the symptoms tend to intensify, leading to pain and bad breath. The effects of this disease are not only limited to the mouth, but medical scientists have revealed that people with gingivitis are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. They have also found evidence that there are links between gingivitis and pre-mature births, although this is still to be investigated thoroughly. So not only is this disease dangerous for you, but also has the potential to harm your child.
So although pregnancy gingivitis is only a short term consequence of hormonal changes, it can be extremely dangerous in the long term. And though there is very little you can do about hormonal changes, you can try your best to minimize this disease by developing good oral health measures. You should increase the frequency of brushing, as this will help remove a plaque formation quickly, evicting any bacteria in your mouth. Cleaning the tongue is also recommended, as a number of bacteria reside on it. Flossing is a must, and should be practices at least once a day. It helps to remove any plaque and food particles that the bristles of the tooth brush miss, mostly in the gaps between the teeth or on the surface of the gums. In addition to this, use a mouthwash recommended by your dentist that is known to prevent it, such as those containing hydrogen peroxide, alcohol and chlorohexidine. You can also use interdental brushes to remove any plaque and food particles in hard to reach areas of the mouth.
Simply by exercising these measures, you can reduce your chances of suffering from gingivitis, or at least minimize its effects and symptoms, leading to a healthier life for you and your child.
