Pregnancy hormones affect all the tissues in the body, to include your gums. The increased blood volume during pregnancy, added to the action of hormones, are the cause of some conditions that may affect your gums in these months.   

Bleeding gums

It is rather common for your gums to bleed during pregnancy. The capillaries in this area may bleed when you brush your teeth. Dentists are aware of this irritation of the gums that takes place during pregnancy and is known as pregnancy gingivitis.   

You may prevent your gums from bleeding by using a softer toothbrush and making sure you brush at least three times a day. If you are eating frequent small meals this could also cause you to have remains of food in your mouth more often.

Small purplish nodules that bleed frequently could also appear on your gums. Even thought this may look alarming, they are fortunately a common symptom of pregnancy and are not dangerous for you or for your baby. They usually disappear after delivery, and don’t cause further problems.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is more problematic than the slight irritation of pregnancy gingivitis. Periodontal disease is also known as periodontitis o pyorrhea. This condition is caused by remains of food that adhere to the teeth and collect in pockets under the gums. The gums become irritated, they bleed and gradually recede, thus leaving the tooth more and more exposed. In the most extreme cases, the bone the tooth is attached to is also affected, and the tooth is lost.

Besides the discomfort that periodontal disease may cause, studies have shown that it could be linked to preterm delivery. In the tests carried out during these studies, it was found that bacteria from the mother’s mouth could reach the fetus.  

If you had gum problems before you became pregnant, you should see your dentist, so he can check if you need a deep cleaning in order to put the brakes on the onset of the disease. If your gums are inflamed and are constantly bleeding, even if you have not been diagnosed with periodontal disease, it is important to see the dentist too, in order to rule out this condition. 

X-Rays

In the event that you must visit the dentist during pregnancy, it is possible that you may have to undergo an X-ray at some point. The best thing is to avoid them altogether, but if there is no other way out or if you had an X-ray before you knew you were pregnant, don’t worry about it.  

The intensity of the radiation in dentist X-rays is very small. Radiations are measured in rads. It is considered that over 5 rads may affect the fetus. But so that you get the picture, a dental X-ray has 0.00001 rads. That is such a small amount that it should not cause any problem whatsoever.

Another way of reducing radiation even further, is to place a lead apron over your belly.

Preventing dental problems

The best way to avoid or to reduce the possibility of the onset of dental problems during pregnancy is to have good dental hygiene. Before becoming pregnant, or in the first few months of pregnancy, you should visit your dentist and get a good cleaning. After that, maintain it by brushing at least three times a day, using dental floss and mouthwash.