General Health Information

Bleeding gums and gum disease can affect pregnancy. Severe gingivitis
and periodontitis are of particular concern when you’re pregnant: Some
studies have found that pregnant women with these conditions are
significantly more likely to deliver prematurely. Swollen, tender gums
that bleed when you floss or brush are a common complaint during
pregnancy. They’re caused by higher progesterone levels, which make
your gums react more to the bacteria in plaque, and by an increased
blood supply to your mouth. This so-called pregnancy gingivitis
affects about half of pregnant women. Get regular dental care. Your
dentist or periodontist can remove plaque and tartar that brushing
can’t get to. Be sure to let her know you’re pregnant and how far along
you are. She’ll probably want to see you once more during your
pregnancy, too — or even more often if you already have gum disease,
since pregnancy is likely to make the problem worse.