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:
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.
Toothpaste Aversion
Some women tend to avoid brushing their teeth twice a day because they develop an aversion to the smell of toothpaste or due to morning sickness and nausea.
The lack of oral hygiene can also lead to the building up of bacteria in the mouth leading to bleeding gums and tooth decay.
Delayed Reaction To Morning Sickness
The early stage of pregnancy can bring with it morning sickness and vomiting. The temporary effects of those acid baths are borne by the teeth, weakening the enamel and causing decay during the later stage of pregnancy.
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.
Toothpaste Aversion
Some women tend to avoid brushing their teeth twice a day because they develop an aversion to the smell of toothpaste or due to morning sickness and nausea.
The lack of oral hygiene can also lead to the building up of bacteria in the mouth leading to bleeding gums and tooth decay.
Delayed Reaction To Morning Sickness
The early stage of pregnancy can bring with it morning sickness and vomiting. The temporary effects of those acid baths are borne by the teeth, weakening the enamel and causing decay during the later stage of pregnancy.