Gingivitis in pregnant women: mechanism of development and methods of treatment

How is catarrhal gingivitis treated in pregnant women?

Treatment of gingivitis in pregnant women begins with professional teeth cleaning: plaque and tartar are carefully removed, and the teeth are polished using special brushes and pastes. The next stage is anti-inflammatory therapy. For this purpose, the dentist prescribes the use of anti-inflammatory rinses, applications and toothpastes. The correct diet is very important - you need to reduce the consumption of carbohydrate foods and avoid frequent snacking. And of course, you need to take good care of your oral hygiene.

Gum inflammation in pregnant women

Gum inflammation

: Why is this happening

The oral cavity is a comfortable environment for the proliferation of thousands of different types of bacteria. Some of them benefit humans, while others negatively affect the flora. Most of the microflora of the oral cavity is opportunistic. This means that problems can arise only under the influence of negative factors. The main reason for this is low immunity. During pregnancy, a woman's body's defense mechanisms weaken significantly.

An acidic environment forms in the mouth of pregnant women, which leads to irritation of tissues and mucous membranes. Another cause of gum inflammation is eating too sweet or salty foods. In the presence of nutrients, harmful bacteria begin to actively multiply and become a source of problems in the body.

Stomatitis and gingivitis are diseases that occur when oral hygiene is not observed.

How to recognize gum inflammation during pregnancy

The first sign that teeth during pregnancy

What’s wrong is bleeding gums. Inflammation is also accompanied by the following unpleasant phenomena:

· Pain when brushing your teeth.

· Swelling of the gums.

· Redness or blue discoloration of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity.

Pregnant women are characterized by two forms of the disease: catarrhal and hypertrophic. In the first case, the gums begin to bleed profusely, become sensitive, swelling forms in the tissues, and a yellow coating forms on the teeth. Catarrhal form is characteristic of the first trimester. The second case is more severe. Due to prolonged inflammatory processes, teeth begin to loosen and fall out. This most often occurs in the second trimester. This requires surgical treatment and subsequent prevention.

How does the process of treatment and prevention of inflamed gums occur during pregnancy?

Before starting treatment, you need to visit the dental office and carry out hygienic procedures: removing plaque and tartar. New methods and materials are completely safe for pregnant women.

The next step on the road to recovery is the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Pregnant women are prescribed antiseptics with the active substance chlorhexidine. Mouthwashes produce a triple effect: they destroy harmful bacteria, accelerate the healing process of oral tissues and eliminate unpleasant odors. How to rinse your mouth

The dentist will help you decide.

For greater effectiveness and quick results, it is recommended to use special gels. Their advantage is the ability to remain on the surface of the gums for a long time and influence the source of inflammation for a long time. Gels with propolis are safe for pregnant women, the antiseptic properties of which have been known since ancient times.

Prevention of gum disease includes daily oral hygiene procedures. It is important to adhere to a diet limiting sour, starchy, sweet foods and foods high in carbohydrates. To maintain healthy teeth and gums, it is recommended to eat solid fruits and vegetables, as well as take special vitamin and mineral complexes.

How are treatment methods chosen depending on the stage of pregnancy?

The first trimester of pregnancy is associated with the risk of spontaneous abortion, so during this period interventions should be as necessary, and the indications for them are acute pain or severe swelling of the gums. Tartar can also be removed, but it is still better to postpone this manipulation for a while. In the second trimester, you can carry out complex treatment, including professional cleaning and taking antiseptics. And in the third trimester, a visit to the dentist should be as short as possible, so you should limit yourself to only hygiene procedures.

Types of gingivitis characteristic of pregnant women

The most common forms of gingivitis are catarrhal and hypertrophic.

Catarrhal

Inflammation of tissues during catarrhal gingivitis occurs mainly in the area of ​​gingival papillae. There is swelling, bleeding of the gums, pain when chewing and pressing with a finger. The amount of plaque in soft tissues increases. It is necessary to distinguish a local inflammatory process in tissues (with a diseased tooth, for example) from a generalized disease. Catarrhal gingivitis affects soft tissue over the entire surface. If the treatment process is not started in time, it can spread to periodontal tissue. In this case, advanced gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease, periodontitis and other forms of complications. In this case, damage to the tissues of the ligamentous apparatus of the teeth is possible, which will lead to loosening of the gums and loss of teeth.

Hypertrophic

This form of gingivitis is characterized by increased tissue swelling. It extends to the area of ​​periodontal pockets, soft tissues of the lower and upper jaw. The inflammatory process in the tissues is accompanied by bleeding, painful itching and irritation of the gums even during moments of rest. Due to the growth of the gums, grooves are formed between the tooth enamel and soft tissues, which fill with blood and are a characteristic sign of gingivitis.

Ulcerative

The most rare and dangerous form of gingivitis, which is accompanied by concomitant diseases of the entire body of a pregnant woman. It appears in the last trimester of pregnancy with symptoms such as severe bleeding of the gums, the formation of multiple soft tissue ulcers, painful itching and burning in the tissues of the oral cavity. The situation is complicated by the fact that taking antibacterial drugs for gingivitis during pregnancy is extremely undesirable. Antibiotics for treatment are prescribed by doctors only in cases where there is a serious threat to the life of the mother and fetus. If the situation with gingivitis has become so advanced that an ulcerative form of gum disease has developed, then easy treatment measures are indispensable.

How inflammation can affect the health of mother and baby

Pregnant women worry that problems with teeth and gums may affect their condition and the health of the child. Indeed, gingivitis is a dangerous, insidious disease.

Possible complications after gum inflammation:

• Discomfort and pain cause unpleasant sensations and make the expectant mother nervous, which negatively affects the course of pregnancy;
• There is a possibility of periodontitis and tooth loss;
• Intoxication of the body under the influence of microbes has a detrimental effect on the development of the fetus;
• An advanced inflammatory process increases the risk of miscarriage.

Negative consequences can be avoided by promptly consulting a doctor. Experienced, qualified specialists, using modern equipment, will solve the problem without harm to mother and child.

Treatment methods

How to treat loose gums? To cope with the problem, an integrated approach is needed. Often the scheme for eliminating the disease consists of the following actions:

1. Professional teeth cleaning, during which the doctor will remove dental plaque. He will also teach hygiene rules.
2. Antiseptic treatment of the oral cavity. The doctor will prescribe solutions based on substances that have an antimicrobial effect - chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, furatsilin, etc.
3. Use of local agents. As prescribed by the doctor, ointment or gel is applied to the gums. Effective agents are, for example, Metrogyl Denta, Solcoseryl, Tantum Verde, Miramistin.

If the patient experiences pain, it can be relieved with the help of Analgin, Nimesil or Ibuprofen.

Separately, they also determine what to do to eliminate the cause of inflammation. For example, if the prosthesis is not installed correctly, it is removed and anti-inflammatory therapy is carried out. Next, a new structure is installed, which is made taking into account the characteristics of the patient’s jaw.

Treatment

It is customary to take a comprehensive approach to the treatment of any dental diseases during pregnancy. Starting from the second trimester, dental treatment is not only allowed, but also highly desirable. When working with pregnant patients, our specialists always prioritize the safety of procedures and the preservation of the health of mother and child. Our Center uses safe methods and protocols for both diagnostics and treatment of teeth and gums.

We offer pregnant patients:

• digital diagnostics of both the entire dental system and each individual tooth;
• anesthesia permitted during pregnancy;
• treatment of pulpitis and the use of intracanal drugs;
• safe relief of inflammatory processes in periodontal tissues;
• remineralizing therapy for local saturation of teeth with mineral components as a treatment for caries at the stain stage;
• safe methods of carious cavity preparation and filling;
• non-contact teeth cleaning with the Air-flow device (powder made in Germany cleanses and saturates the enamel with calcium carbonate);
• the use of anti-inflammatory rinses, irrigations, gels, ointments for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the soft tissues of the oral cavity;
• comfortable position during treatment in a dental chair with orthopedic covering.

Kuntsevo professionals invite expectant mothers and all women planning a pregnancy to dental examinations and preventive procedures. Contacting our experienced specialists early will help you maintain dental health both during pregnancy and for many years to come.

Treatment for bleeding gums during pregnancy

It is preferable to begin treatment for bleeding gums during pregnancy at 13-24 weeks of gestation. But only on condition that the disease does not progress, threatening to develop into a more complex disease.

The dentist can examine the oral cavity at any stage of pregnancy. Treatment during pregnancy involves the use of gentle medications that eliminate negative effects on the course of pregnancy and the unborn child. The specialist conducts a course of oral cavity sanitation, which stops the development of the disease. Complete treatment is possible only after the end of the lactation period.

Drug treatment

The doctor prescribes medications to continue treatment at home. Most medications are contraindicated for expectant mothers, but it is necessary to relieve pain and stop the inflammatory process. For this purpose the following are appointed:

• Rinse with antiseptic components. You need to rinse your mouth several times a day; the procedure will help eliminate inflammation and unpleasant odor.
• Applications with ointments and gels. These products reduce swelling and pain and promote healing of damaged gum tissue.
• Painkillers. Medicines prescribed by a specialist are used to relieve pain.

Gingivitis in pregnant women: causes

Gingivitis is an infectious disease, and its main cause is the proliferation of pathogenic microflora. The following factors contribute to the development of this disease:

• Hormonal changes

During pregnancy, a woman’s body experiences serious stress associated with a sharp and significant change in hormonal levels. This change affects all processes occurring in the body: local and general immunity decreases, metabolism changes, the body becomes more susceptible to infections and other unfavorable factors.

• Lack of vitamins and minerals

Bearing a fetus requires the expenditure of large amounts of nutrients. During pregnancy, many women suffer from hypo- and vitamin deficiency, from a lack of essential minerals and trace elements. This negatively affects the health of various organs, including the protective functions of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity.

• Failure to comply with hygiene rules

The appearance of gingivitis is promoted by the accumulation of food debris and waste products of microorganisms between the teeth and in the gum pockets. Insufficient oral hygiene creates favorable conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. The presence of tartar and plaque on the teeth also contributes to the development of gingivitis.

Clinic doctors

Gingivitis during pregnancy is a very common occurrence. But the expectant mother should not wait until the disease goes away on its own, but should consult a doctor at the first symptoms, for example, make an appointment at the DentaBravo dental clinic.

Why do gums bleed during pregnancy?

The main cause of bleeding gums is gingivitis. This disease may be associated with hormonal changes in the female body during pregnancy, toxicosis, as well as poor oral hygiene, which causes plaque to accumulate on the teeth.

What are the main forms of gingivitis in pregnant women?

In the first half of pregnancy, catarrhal gingivitis most often manifests itself, in which the patient begins to worry about bleeding gums and pain when brushing her teeth. In the second half of pregnancy, the problem worsens, and hypertrophic gingivitis develops, characterized by severe swelling and overgrowth of the gums.

What are the main symptoms of gingivitis in pregnant women?

This is bleeding and discoloration of the gums, pain when brushing teeth, swelling of the edge of the gum and gingival papillae. Often, due to unpleasant sensations, women are afraid of damaging their gums and begin to spare them - brushing their teeth less often or affecting them with minimal intensity. As a result, soft plaque is not only not removed, but also accumulates, and this only worsens the condition of the gums.

What is the effect of untreated gingivitis on the fetus?

Microbes actively multiply in soft dental plaque and hard deposits, releasing toxins and biologically active substances (inflammatory mediators). Absorbed into the blood, they negatively affect the placenta and the unborn child: they can not only increase the risk of premature birth, but also cause fetal death.

How is catarrhal gingivitis treated in pregnant women?

Treatment of gingivitis during pregnancy begins with removing plaque and polishing the teeth using special brushes and paste. After this, anti-inflammatory therapy is carried out, for which antiseptic rinses and applications are prescribed. The patient also uses anti-inflammatory toothpastes and follows a proper diet (reducing carbohydrate intake, avoiding frequent snacking between meals) and careful oral hygiene.

How is hypertrophic gingivitis treated in pregnant women?

Usually mild forms of this variety can be cured without any intervention immediately after birth. During pregnancy, you only need to take care of hygiene - brush your teeth immediately after eating, have a professional cleaning at the dentist's office. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and correct the edges of crowns and fillings if they are the cause of gum hypertrophy.

What is the dependence of treatment methods on the timing of pregnancy?

In the first trimester, the risk of spontaneous abortion is very high, so only the most necessary interventions are carried out, the indications for which are swelling of the gums or acute pain. During this period, you can remove dental plaque, but it is better to postpone this manipulation for a while. The second trimester is the most favorable for treatment - gingivitis in pregnant women can be eliminated with complex therapy (cleaning and taking antiseptic drugs). In the third trimester, professional hygiene can be carried out, but the visit to the dentist should be as short as possible.

What are the measures to prevent gingivitis in pregnant women?

The main preventive measure is careful oral care. For this purpose, you need to use soft-bristled brushes, toothpastes and dental floss. The ideal option is to use an irrigator: this device uses a water jet to remove food debris from the most inaccessible places.

What are the quality criteria for treatment of gingivitis in pregnant women?

After high-quality treatment, the appearance of the gums is restored, there are no signs of inflammation and bleeding of the gums, and the patient’s subjective discomfort disappears.

What is the cost of treating gingivitis in pregnant women?

The cost of treatment depends on the type of disease and the cause that caused it. In some cases, it is enough just to have your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist and begin to take better care of your oral cavity. And sometimes more serious intervention may be required. You can find the approximate prices of our clinic in the price list or the table below, but to get more accurate information, you need to make an appointment with a doctor.

Different forms of gingivitis, features of manifestation in pregnant women

There are different forms of inflammation, they are characteristic of different trimesters of pregnancy:

1. Catarrhal disease is characteristic of the first half of the period, manifested by bleeding, swelling of the marginal zone of the gums, painful symptoms during the cleansing process, as well as visually - a change in the color of the inflamed areas.
2. Hypertrophic is less common, when mild manifestations of inflammation can worsen and lead to polypous growth of gingival tissue. The pathology is more pronounced in places where fillings adhere and crowns overhang, which have an additional traumatic effect.

Painful sensations can occur with any mechanical impact, when the gums are at rest. A “gentle” regimen to reduce gum trauma during pregnancy leads to an even greater accumulation of plaque, which only intensifies the visible manifestations of gingivitis.

Why do teeth and gums hurt during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, gum disease worsens, so when brushing you may see blood on your toothbrush. This occurs due to inflammation of the tissues in the oral cavity. To save your teeth, you need to identify the problem and begin treatment.

Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body contribute to inflammation of the gums and increase their sensitivity. This condition is called pregnancy gingivitis, and it develops in 50% of all pregnant women.

Another problem associated with pregnancy is that some women develop tumors on the gums known as pyogenic granulomas. This is an immune response to an irritant, in this case plaque. Granulomas usually disappear after childbirth.

Prevention of dental diseases during pregnancy

Dentistry for expectant mothers is one of the specialized areas of our clinic. Specialists from different medical fields work closely with each other, adhering to a common treatment plan for pregnant women. An interdisciplinary approach involves the joint work of dentists from different fields. This allows you to achieve better results of dental treatment, and thereby compensate for disturbances in the entire body during pregnancy. Due to splint therapy, the musculoskeletal system is unloaded and the position of the lumbar and cervical spine changes.

The following will help prevent dental problems from occurring:

• performing a certain technique for brushing teeth at home;
• using a medium-hard toothbrush (the use of natural bristles is prohibited);
• therapeutic and prophylactic rinses;
• use of an irrigator;
• professional teeth cleaning by a dentist and removal of supragingival and subgingival tartar;
• remineralization therapy to prevent or eliminate hypersensitivity of tooth enamel;
• periodontal therapeutic dressings to eliminate bleeding gums;
• Regular visits to the dental office, which will allow you to identify diseases at the earliest stages and prevent their development.

We would like to draw your attention to the fact that not all expectant mothers comply with preventive measures. This is why many of them face the most common problems of teeth and gums.

• Gingivitis. Inflammation of the gums during pregnancy is caused by hormonal surges, lack of vitamins, metabolic and blood supply disorders. According to statistics, approximately 70% of pregnant women who have never had problems with gums experience gingivitis. Sensitive gums are unable to resist viruses, bacteria, and fungal infections and require treatment by a periodontist.
• Damage to hard dental tissues (caries, progression of secondary caries, defects in fillings, chips and microcracks of enamel, etc.). Damage to the hard tissues of teeth most often occurs in the second half of pregnancy; it is associated with increased load on the teeth. Also, the development of caries is provoked by microorganisms that are activated against the background of changes in the acidity of saliva. Treatment of the expectant mother's teeth by a dentist helps prevent the progression of the initial stage of caries and the emergence of a chronic source of infection.