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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Why may pregnant women be more at risk for gingivitis?

    Related Topics
    Oral Health Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
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  • Dr Kevin Jaffar

    Dentist

    Jaffar Dental - Trusted and Established since 1997. We are a family owned General Dental Practice offering a friendly and caring environment in Waterford QLD. … View Profile

    The hormonal changes during pregnancy cause the gums to show more of an inflamnatory process when plaque or tarter is present. Also any nausea can cause the acidity from reflux to affect the gums.

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    Dr Jeremy Rourke

    Dentist

    Many truely amazing things happen to a womans  body during pregnancy. The unborn child is genetically a mix of DNA from the father and mother yet it isn't rejected like a transplanted heart or kidney would be without immunosuppresant drugs. This is because part of the process of pregnancy is to suppress the mothers immune system. As a result the white cell response in the gums to irritation from plaque is affected and the gums can respond by becoming puffy and bleeding easily. This used to be called pregnancy gingivitis but this is no longer a seperate recognised condition. Basically it is just gingivitis occuring during pregnancy and can be treated and reversed by enthusistic but gentle and thorough removal of plaque around the teeth by brushing, toothpicking and flossing.

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  • Dr Daniel Kaufman

    Dentist

    Dr Kaufman provides professional and high quality dental care with a very gentle touch, resulting in an authentic relaxed experience for his patients. He takes … View Profile

    During pregnancy , the body undergoes many changes. The hormonal changes combined with plaque may cause a gum disease.The changes in the diet and the saliva may aid the bacteria in overcoming the body's immune system and the response may be disproportionate to the infection.  Therefore, it is recommended to keep a good oral hygiene and to go to the dentist before and during pregnancy to examine the condition of your teeth and gums .
    It is important to notice that gum disease during pregnancy can affect the progression of the pregnancy. Since the bacteria or the toxins they secrete may travel with the blood stream and reach the developing baby.

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