Is it normal for the gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
Sensitive and bleeding gum is something that is quite normal during pregnancy. The hormones that are secreted when you are pregnant can cause your gums to swell up and might also cause inflammation of the same and this is what leads to bleedings and that becomes common when you brush and floss. Such a medical condition has been named as pregnancy gingivitis.
What can be done to get relieve from this bleeding?
Here are some of the things that you can do to get relief:
- There is no need to stop flossing or brushing but make sure that you do it gently. Go for toothbrushes that have soft bristles. You might think that not disturbing your gums would be the best idea but you should not avoid your gums to prevent serious tooth decay. You can consider using sensitive toothpaste or even apply ice on the gums after brushing.
- Massaging your gum with your thumb and index finger would also give some relief. Use a mouthwash or warm water and salt to rinse your mouth 2-3 times a day but make sure not to swallow it.
- Do not consume refined sugar as that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
- Your grandma might tell you to chew guava leave or even use it as a mouthwash to keep your gums healthy and prevent tooth decay and also tighten the gums, it is best to seek a doctor’s advice before trying out this home remedy.
- Visit your dentist regularly to clean plague and tartar. Schedule regular appointments for the same. Search the internet for natural remedies that you can try to keep your oral cavity healthy during pregnancy.
When is the time to see the dentist?
Apart from the regular scheduled appointments for cleaning your gum, visit a doctor immediately if you experience painful gums or bleeding gums. Call a dentist if you notice some kind of lump. Gingivitis should be treated in time as an extreme case of this condition can lead to periodontitis and that can harm only the gum but also the teeth and their roots that keep the teeth in their right place. Moreover, there are few studies that claim that there is a relation between premature deliveries and periodontitis. It is very important that you maintain a great level of dental hygiene during your pregnancy.
But make sure that you tell the dentist about your pregnancy so that the X-rays can be avoided. Your dentist would probably give you a safety gown that can be easily worn to prevent the X-rays. There is no harm in giving local anesthesia if required, when you are pregnant. Sometimes, the dentist might feel unsure as what medicines to give and if that is the case, ask him to talk to your doctor.
If there is a need for a root canal treatment during your eighth or ninth month, your doctor would probably ask you to postpone it for later.
