Oral health is a topic that is frequently postponed during pregnancy. Yet in this period, hormonal changes make the gums more sensitive and the importance of care increases. Neglecting gum complaints during pregnancy can affect both the mother’s comfort and oral health. As DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, in Türkiye we also follow up our pregnant patients during this period.
Why Do Complaints Increase?
During pregnancy, increased hormone levels make the inflammatory response of the gum tissue to plaque more pronounced. The same amount of plaque can create a stronger reaction than before pregnancy. This picture is called pregnancy gingivitis and is quite common.
Its symptoms: redness and swelling of the gums and bleeding when brushing. It is usually more pronounced in the front region. What matters is not to neglect it by saying “it’s normal in pregnancy”; because when plaque control is achieved, the picture eases significantly.
Gum Overgrowth Seen During Pregnancy
In some pregnant women, a red bulge that bleeds easily may develop on the gum, usually between the teeth. This formation, also popularly known as a “pregnancy tumor,” is a benign tissue reaction of inflammatory origin; it has nothing to do with cancer.
In most cases, it regresses on its own after childbirth. If it interferes with eating or bleeds constantly, it needs to be evaluated. When you notice this formation, it is enough to come for a check-up without worrying.
The Effect of Nausea and Vomiting
Frequent vomiting causes stomach acid to come into contact with the tooth surfaces and may lead to weakening of the enamel structure. There is an important warning here: brushing the teeth immediately after vomiting may wear away the enamel surface softened by the acid.
Instead, it is recommended that you first rinse your mouth with water or a solution your dentist recommends, and leave brushing until a while later. If you have difficulty brushing because of nausea, using a small-headed brush and choosing a less strongly flavored toothpaste may help.
Can Treatment Be Done?
Yes. Oral health is not something that should be postponed during pregnancy; on the contrary, it should be followed up. Routine examination, professional cleaning and treatments requiring urgent care can be applied during this period.
The general approach is this: non-urgent and postponable aesthetic procedures are planned for after childbirth; however, treatment is not postponed in the presence of inflammation, pain or infection. An untreated infection carries more risk than postponement would bring.
Be sure to inform your dentist of your pregnancy, which week you are in and any special conditions. When necessary, planning is done by contacting the physician following your pregnancy.
Imaging and Medication Use
If radiological imaging is needed, it is applied with protective measures and only when necessary. The dose in modern devices is significantly low. Still, the necessity is evaluated separately in each case.
Do not act on your own decision regarding medication use. The use of painkillers and antibiotics is planned by your dentist taking the pregnancy period into account.
Nutrition and Dental Health
The increased frequency of snacking during pregnancy may cause the oral environment to remain acidic for a long time and increase the risk of caries. Preferring more neutral foods instead of sugary options between meals and rinsing the mouth with water afterwards is a protective habit. Sufficient fluid intake also helps reduce dry mouth.
Check-Up Before Pregnancy
The best approach is to have an oral health check-up beforehand if a pregnancy is being planned. When existing caries and gum problems are resolved in this period, the need for treatment during pregnancy decreases greatly. This is the most comfortable path in terms of both comfort and planning.
The Postpartum Period
Some of the complaints regress after childbirth; however, they should not be expected to resolve completely on their own. It is recommended that you have a check-up examination in this period and that any remaining inflammation be treated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Emergencies are not postponed. The suitable period for routine procedures is planned with your dentist.
It is usually suitable and beneficial for gum health.
The choice of suitable agent and dose is made by your dentist; it is important that you mention your condition.
No. It is a benign formation of inflammatory origin; still, it should be evaluated.
Yes. Provided you mention your situation, planning is done accordingly.
Oral health should not be postponed during pregnancy.
If you are experiencing bleeding, swelling or pain, have an evaluation. Contact us to book an appointment; let us help you get through this period comfortably at DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.
This content is for general information purposes. Treatment and medication use during pregnancy are planned with the evaluation of your dentist and the doctor following you.
