Having bleeding or sensitive gums during pregnancy is a fairly common phenomenon. This is called gingivitis. The pregnancy hormones can cause your gums to swell thereby leading to bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth.
In order to control this bleeding, use softer bristles and choose toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Don’t avoid brushing though. This is because the food that you eat together with the saliva can cause plaque to build up. This can increase the chances of it bleeding further.
If you have developed gestational diabetes then do get keep your diet under check. Those with high sugar levels have greater chances of developing gingivitis during pregnancy.
Neglecting your teeth can lead to periodontitis. This weakens the tissue and bone that keeps your teeth anchored.
As for the foetus, there is no direct connection between it and your bleeding gums. However, some studies have shown that unhealthy dental practice can lead to babies that are premature and have low birth weight.
So do visit a dentist and practice healthy dental hygiene while you are pregnant and even after it.
Tell us more tips about how to prevent bleeding gums during pregnancy here.
