Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy- Should You Worry?

Pregnancy is a reason to rejoice and look towards the future with the happiness and excitement that a newborn can add to your life. Bleeding gums in pregnancy are called pregnancy gingivitis.

But most of the time amid all the excitement, also come new symptoms, probably never experienced before like Swollen, Tender & Bleeding Gums.

Noticing blood on the gums can be troubling for the pregnant woman who already has much on her hands.

However, this should not be a reason for much worry. Right care and precautions can easily help to control them for a relaxed pregnancy ahead.

Why Do Gums Bleed During Pregnancy?

The pregnancy hormones that cause the mucus membranes to swell and the sinuses to clog up also inflame the gums from around Week 15th of the pregnancy, making them more prone to bleeding. 

The various reasons behind the swollen gums and sore mouth during pregnancy are: 

Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy brings along with it many Hormonal changes which can make one vulnerable to oral health problems. 

Large amounts of a hormone called progesterone are released during pregnancy, increasing blood flow to all mucous membranes and making the mouth more susceptible to bacteria, putting one at a higher risk of Gingivitis.

The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is usually caused by bacteria build-up, that turns into plaque, around the gum line.

Pregnancy gingivitis can make gums tender and swollen, causing them to bleed while brushing. 

Dietary Changes

Pregnancy brings along with it a tendency to crave and eat more carbs, sweets, and fast foods, drifting towards unhealthy food choices due to changes in taste experienced by women creating an oral environment for plaque and tartar to thrive upon. 

Moreover, as saliva production decreases during the pregnancy due to the hormone surge, the carbs eaten hang around on the surfaces of the teeth for a longer period.

This subsequently leads to a buildup of plaque, soft and sticky stuff that builds up on the teeth. It’s full of bacteria and causes tooth decay and gum disease.

Changes in Saliva

Pregnancy not only leads to the production of less saliva, but the saliva in pregnant women is also more acidic than that of a non-pregnant woman.

This decreases its efficiency as a buffer and also raises the risk of tooth erosion and decay.

Pregnancy Tumor

A small lump or nodule that bleeds on brushing may develop on gums, in the area where one has gingivitis.

This lump is called a pregnancy tumor or pyogenic granuloma and is very rare and usually painless & harmless despite its scary name.

These tumors can pop up anywhere in the body during pregnancy, but most often they show in the mouth and generally disappear after childbirth.

However, sometimes it does not go away on its own and needs to be surgically removed. One can also have it even removed in pregnancy if it’s uncomfortable, inhibits chewing or brushing, or starts to bleed too much.

Read More