Many women experience symptoms of gingivitis to some degree during their  pregnancy. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum tissue.  Because it is not painful in its first stages of development, it is common for the condition to go untreated.  It is believed that gingivitis is caused by a lack of oral hygiene. 

The chances of getting gingivitis increase during pregnancy, as the change in  hormone levels make the gums more susceptible to germs.  It is therefore important to maintain a good oral hygiene throughout pregnancy.  There are several easy steps you can take to do your part in maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.  It is recommended that teeth be brushed with a toothpaste that contains fluoride.  Flossing on a regular basis is important, as it aids in removing plaque from the hard-to-reach places.  Dentists recommend using a toothbrush that allows easy access to the areas of the mouth that are difficult to reach.

Pregnant women are encouraged to continue their regular dental visits throughout their pregnancy.  Ginigvitis often appears in the second trimester.  This is therefore a good time to schedule a visit to the dentist.   Your dentist will explain how to best take care of your gums to minimize or prevent gingivitis and inflammation. Be sure to alert your dentist that you are pregnant, so that in the case of an X-ray, the right precaution will be taken.  In addition, it may be beneficial to eat foods containing plenty of calcium and vitamin C to guard your teeth from germs and your gums from infections.

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