Pregnancy gingivitis is an inflammatory phenomenon that occurs in the gums in response to various hormonal changes.

Hormonal variations in pregnant women, characterized by an increase in progesterone and estrogen, cause several disruptions in the body. In the mouth, it is the gums that are most affected due to a decrease in the immune response, a decrease in the thickness of keratin on the gums and an increase in the inflammatory response of oral tissues. Gingivitis occurs frequently in pregnant women despite excellent oral hygiene.

Regular or more frequent scaling and dental prophylaxis during pregnancy is recommended, especially if pregnancy gingivitis is suspected. Your dentist is the only professional who can diagnose this condition and prescribe a cleaning frequency that is appropriate for your situation.

Like any untreated gingivitis, pregnancy gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. This inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth can cause irreversible damage to the gums and even lead to tooth loss.

Pregnancy gingivitis, if left untreated, can trigger various obstetric complications including premature delivery. Indeed, the bacteria responsible for plaque can be carried by the blood to the placenta and activate prostaglandins, hormones responsible for uterine contractions.

• Good dental hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help prevent gingivitis. It is recommended that you scaling and dental prophylaxis be performed regularly or more frequently during pregnancy, especially in the presence of pregnancy gingivitis;
• If you suffer from nausea that causes vomiting, be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash to remove any acid residue that could damage tooth enamel.