Pregnancy Gingivitis

Pregnancy can have different effects in the woman’s overall health condition. Most pregnant women can notice some changes in the gums throughout pregnancy, including redness and bleeding of the gums when brushing the teeth. In addition, some women can experience severe bleeding and swelling. These changes are known pregnancy gingivitis that usually starts on the second month of the pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis tends to increase around eight month and may decrease after giving birth.

This condition is usual in the front area of the mouth. The symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis are the same with the common gingivitis but may have different causes. Progesterone level in the body during pregnancy can reach up to ten percent higher than the normal level, which can improve certain bacterial growth that results to gingivitis. In addition, during pregnancy, the immune system works differently, which can change the body’s reaction to bacteria.

To be able to reduce pregnancy gingivitis effects, it is best to have a good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth at least two times a day for two minutes is recommended. Make sure to floss every day as well. Antimicrobial mouthwash is advisable to prevent gum infection. Some doctors suggest that rinses that have no alcohol content are better though there is no proof that alcohol-based mouthwash may have bad effects on pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION:
Pregnancy Gingivitis?
I am 6mons pregnant and I have pregnancy gingivitis. What is the treatment? Is it true that it can cause pre-mature birth?
- ANSWER:
  Pregnancy gingivitis should not cause preterm birth, though if you had a consistant issue with gingivitis or periodontist prior to getting pregnant there are some studies showing a link to preterm birth as a result. The gingivitis will typically resolve once the baby has been born, though sometimes the hormones involved with breastfeeding will cause some inflammation. If you haven’t had a recent dental cleaning and exam recently now would be a good idea, esp. since you will be busy with the baby soon enough. It will also remove any hardened buildup (tartar, also called calculus) that may be irritating your gums and can’t be removed by you. If you have had a recent cleaning make sure you are brushing and flossing faithfully and perhaps using a mouthrinse like Crest Pro Health. I love Listerine but the Crest has no alcohol. Hope that helps,
  JAMRDH – a dental hygienist
QUESTION:
Pregnancy gingivitis?
I am currently 37 weeks pregnant. For a few weeks now , I’ve had bleeding while brushing my teeth and my orthodontist(I have braces) told me my gums were very inflamed and that its common in pregnancy. Now on the right side of my mouth , my gums are so swollen that I can hardly see my back tooth . Is there anything I can do to treat this ? It hurts so bad and I’m worried.
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
Does this sound like pregnancy gingivitis?
I have a dentist appointment planned for next Tuesday but until then…
I am 5 months pregnant and for the past three days a part of my gums bleed when I brush my teeth and I have a red sore on the inside upper lip which isn’t painful. I read that 50-75% of pregnant women get pregnancy gingivitis. I had a dental check up 4 months ago. Overall I have good teeth but read that the massive increase in pregnancy hormones can also cause gingivitis, not just bad dental care..
Has anyone had it?
- ANSWER:
  I get it every time! It’s is not uncommon for women to develop gingivitis while pregnant. As far as the sore, that is not a symptom of gingivitis. Gingivitis stays on the gums. I suggest you brush at least twice a day and rinse with Listerine 2-3 times a day. Chlorihexidine also works great for gingivitis, but I think you need a Rx for it in the US. Ask your dentist about it.
QUESTION:
How can you treat pregnancy gingivitis?
I am five months pregnant and my dentist diagnosed me with gingivitis. I am extremely concerned because I heard that it is connected to preterm labor. The only things my dentist suggested were brushing more, flossing more, and rinsing. How else can I protect myself from gingivitis and possible preterm labor?
- ANSWER:
  Follow his advice and also make sure you are on pre natal vitamins. Much of a pregnancy gingivitis is hormonally related and after the delivery improves drastically. Do an extra special job with home care during the pregnancy. Good luck with the baby.
QUESTION:
How early can you get pregnancy gingivitis?
i believe im pregnant and latley my gums have been killing me! there sore…it just hurts im wondering how early in pregnancy does this occur? anyone that can help please do..and thanks =)
- ANSWER:
  Right away, I think to me it happened like 3 weeks after I got pregnant.
  
  This is one of the first symptoms: along with breast tenderness and having to pee all the time.
QUESTION:
Anyone have pregnancy gingivitis?
I have bad pregnancy gingivitis. My gums bleed so so so bad when I brush. What can I do about it? I’m going to go to the dentist but for some reason I am embarrassed. Did this happen to anyone else?
okay. my baby doesn’t have retardation. thank you. pregnancy gingivitis doesn’t cause mental retardation. wow. you do your research.
- ANSWER:
  Personally I haven’t had a problem with it, however my doctor did ask me about it, and then warned me that it might happen. I’d assume that it’s fairly common… I’m not sure what to tell you about getting rid of it though… I’d definitely see a dentist about it, even if you’re embarrassed.
QUESTION:
funny taste in my mouth? is this the pregnancy gingivitis?
so my nausea has pretty much gone, but I still get these weird tastes coming from the back of my mouth. Somewhat metallic, but constant and generally bad all over. I keep brushing but it keeps coming back! I have been flossing every night and brushing all the time! Why is this happening? What can I do about it? Is it related to being pregnant? It started about the same time as the nausea, because I thought they were all the same thing for a while.
- ANSWER:
  Normal. I am 19 weeks and have just recently gotten rid of that horrible taste in my mouth. It was sooooo bad my first trimester.
QUESTION:
Bleeding gums and “pregnancy gingivitis”?
I was curious if anyone has experienced pregnancy gingivitis. I have always been very conscious of my dental hygiene, and although I haven’t always been the best flosser, I’ve been consistent with flossing for at least the past six months. Well, I’m now about 9 weeks pregnant, went to floss my teeth tonight, and was surprised when an area of my upper gums just started pouring blood. It wouldn’t stop for a few minutes! I know this can be normal if you’ve just started flossing, and I’ve had some light bleeding before, but never like this–and like I said, I’ve been flossing consistently for a while. Now I’m worried about pregnancy gingivitis. Has anyone had this? Does it sound like I have it? I just don’t see how I could because I do everything I’m supposed to in taking care of my teeth. Pregnancy is a strange thing. Thanks!
- ANSWER:
  Its extra horomones. Im 22 weeks pregnant and I cant brush my teeth or sometimes cant eat certian foods without my gums bleeding. Not just red and a tad bit Im talking a lot of it. Its perfectly normal. Some pregnant women wont even have bleeding gums while others have it just pouring out of their mouths.
  
  about 50-70% of pregnancy women have some form of pregnancy gingivitis. It can cause swelling to your gums and lots of bleeding, or just red gums that bleed just a tad bit.
  
  You probably do have it, some form of it (just like I do), and I looked it up and your doing what it says to do… brush twice a day, floss once a day and use mouth rinse.
QUESTION:
Could this be pregnancy gingivitis?
My gums have started to bleed more than usual and there is a chance I could be pregnant, hence this question in the first place. Despite my gums bleeding they aren’t swollen or beating red. I use a soft bristle tooth brush and I brush twice a day. Perhaps I ate something that scratched it? I don’t know. I’m not 100% on what “pregnancy gingivitis” is or the characteristics of it to know what it would look like. Bottom line is, my gums are bleeding and one particular area is sore when I put my tongue on it, I can feel that it is bothered. Does any of this follow the guidelines for pregnancy? Also, I have missed my period, and my last one was odd, haven’t bothered to test just yet.. So if you have experienced this could you please let me know what the heck went on. Thanks in advance.
- ANSWER:
  If you think you could be pregnant, then you should definetly take a test very soon to find out for sure if you are. You definetly could be. about pregnancy gingivitis, I had it bad with my first pregnancy. don’t have it now with this 2nd pregnancy. It went away after I had my baby. but pretty much it was just my gums would bleed a lot very easily when I would brush or floss. and my gums started to extend down my teeth a little. i don’t know how to explain it exactly. kinda looked like my gums were a little swollen. but your gums bleeding could have a lot of possible reasons behind why its doing that. I recommend you take then test, and then perhaps make an appointment with your dentist to have a teeth cleaning, and get your teeth checked out. also, it is safe to go to the dentist when you are pregnant, the only thing is they don’t like to do x rays during pregnancy.
  
  good luck.
QUESTION:
Pregnancy Gingivitis and Miscarriage?
I’m 22 weeks and have been experiencing some swollen gum. I did a some research and it says its refer to as Pregnancy Gingvitis and its common among 50-70% of pregnant women, however, if it is left untreated, it can lead to a miscarriage.
My question is, has anyone ever experience this and left untreated until after birth?
Even though the articles (I read several) recommends that you get cleaning at least twice throughout your pregnancy between the 4th through 6th months, but I’m a little concern even going to see a dentist period. I remembering visiting the dentist a few months before i got pregnant and his first question was, “Are you pregnant?” I asked why is it important for him to know and he said, x-rays are pretty strong and it can leads to miscarriages during your first trimester. Even though I past my first trimester, I’m still hesistant to go get checkup.

Have anyone experiences this? And what did you do?
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
treatment for pregnancy gingivitis?!!PLZ HELP ME!!!? ?

m in my 32nd week of pregnancy n my left corner, lower gum is bleeding like hell….i went to a dentist ,she even cleaned up my teeth n said thats its kind of normal in the last trimester n the bleeding would continue for a couple of weeks….its been two weeks i have been to the dentist n still i bleed so much…m so worried about because m loosing so much blood that way n also i read somewhere that bleeding gums can be one of the reasons of preterm labour….:-((((

plz tell me what should i do, any over the counter meds that i can take….n i have been regulalrly flossing n brushing n keeping my teeth clean but somehow the bleeding doesnt seem to stop….plz help me out … give some ideas that can help me stop the bleeding!
- ANSWER:
  You are already doing everything you can do.
  
  I am a dental hygienist, and I teach my pregnant patients about pregnancy gingivitis. Keep up the flossing, every day, brush your teeth and massage your gums with your toothbrush. Don’t brush/floss too hard, you could do more damage.
  
  Yes, gingivitis can cause low birth weight, pre term babies. However, that is mostly from people who aren’t treating it at all.
  
  You are doing everything right. Your gingivitis will clear up immediately after giving birth to a happy healthy baby.
  
  Good luck hun.
QUESTION:
Pregnancy Gingivitis? Best Mouthwash?
What is the best mouthwash to use? I saw that Peroxyl was a good one, but I’m not sure if I can use it while pregnant!! Any tips would be nice. I never had swollen or bleeding gums before I got pregnant. I went to the dentist today and didn’t think to ask if any mouthwash is safe to use. I use colgate total toothpaste.

Also are all flosses the same? Right now I use flossers and not the the regular string kind. The floss on them seems kind of thin. Thanks
- ANSWER:
  For bleeding gums and swollen gums do not buy a strong mouthwash like Listerine as this will irritate you. Buy either a mild own shops brand make of mouthwash or make up a saltwater mouthwash as this cleans and helps the gums. The taste is not nice if you use this all of the time. Flossing is good and just buy any kind (tape or string) they all do the same job.
QUESTION:
GINGIVITIS IN PREGNANCY-help!?
i read its not uncommon, what do you all have to say, and its treatment. brush and floss regularly, my teeth are not perfect, and i go to dentist at least yearly.
- ANSWER:
  you should go every six month i just went today for whats called pregnancy gingivitis if you do not get the stuff out from under your gums it will only get worse!!! make sure you use listerine aswell to help stop it!
QUESTION:
gingivitis during pregnancy?
how would they treat it? im 14 weeks, can i have a xray done during pregnnacy?

i had no dental insurance for the last 5 years, my gums bled everynight before i got pregnant, well i now have insurance for dental but it only covers what medicaid would ( i have caresource) xrays, cleaning, cavities, dentures, and root canals on back teeth

im not really sure what to do, i am unemployed and i’ve applied for every loan i could for dental (please dont be rude)

anything i can do or do you think medicaid will go ahead and pay for it if its a bad medical problem, they bleed at night and my guns are swollen and im 14 weeks pregnant so its making it worse (and when i brush my teeth)
- ANSWER:
  gum problems increase during pregnancy, and medicaid will typically not cover dental issues. unfortunately, my dentist told me that there’s not much they can do for these kinds of issues–you just have to grin and bear it. What I did to make it a little better was get sensitive teeth toothpaste and an electric toothbrush for around ten dollars…my gums bleed more than they used to, but I’m not having any more problems so far. I’m 25 weeks.
QUESTION:
is tetracycline mouth wash 250mg/3 times daily for one month safe for pregnancy in treatment of gingivitis?
- ANSWER:
  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a system to rate drugs in terms of their safety during pregnancy. This system rates both over-the-counter (OTC) drugs you can buy in a drug or discount store, and drugs your health care provider prescribes. But most medicines have not been studied in pregnant women to see if they cause damage to the growing fetus. Always talk with your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
  
  The FDA system ranks drugs as:
  
  Category A – drugs that have been tested for safety during pregnancy and have been found to be safe. This includes drugs such as folic acid, vitamin B6, and thyroid medicine in moderation, or in prescribed doses.
  
  Category B – drugs that have been used a lot during pregnancy and do not appear to cause major birth defects or other problems. This includes drugs such as some antibiotics, acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspartame (artificial sweetener), famotidine (Pepcid), prednisone (cortisone), insulin (for diabetes), and ibuprofin (Advil, Motrin) before the third trimester. Pregnant women should not take ibuprofen during the last three months of pregnancy.
  
  Category C – drugs that are more likely to cause problems for the mother or fetus. Also includes drugs for which safety studies have not been finished. The majority of these drugs do not have safety studies in progress. These drugs often come with a warning that they should be used only if the benefits of taking them outweigh the risks. This is something a woman would need to carefully discuss with her doctor. These drugs include prochlorperzaine (Compazine), Sudafed, fluconazole (Diflucan), and ciprofloxacin (Cipro). Some antidepressants are also included in this group.
  
  Category D – drugs that have clear health risks for the fetus and include alcohol, lithium (used to treat manic depression), phenytoin (Dilantin), and most chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer. In some cases, chemotherapy drugs are given during pregnancy.
  
  Category X – drugs that have been shown to cause birth defects and should never be taken during pregnancy. This includes drugs to treat skin conditions like cystic acne (Accutane) and psoriasis (Tegison or Soriatane); a sedative (thalidomide); and a drug to prevent miscarriage used up until 1971 in the U.S. and 1983 in Europe (diethylstilbestrol or DES).
  
  Aspirin and other drugs containing salicylate are not recommended during pregnancy, especially during the last three months. In rare cases, a woman’s health care provider may want her to use these type of drugs under close watch. Acetylsalicylate, a common ingredient in many OTC painkillers, may make a pregnancy last longer and may cause severe bleeding before and after delivery.
  
  Read the label of your package first, if it is not clear go to your dr or pharmacist or ask your OBGN. If there is uncertainty rather stay away from it, it is a mouthwash, you can have safer alternatives (ask your Dentist). The actual absorbtion of tetracycline is not known via a mouthwash, personally I would stay away from it.
QUESTION:
Pregnancy symptoms in the 6th month?
I am now in my seventh month-but was reading symptoms and I never got these in my sixth month, just wondering if any of you did?

Abdominal muscle seperation
Bleeding gums (pregnancy gingivitis)
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Eye Dryness or Vision Changes
Faintness/Dizziness
Hemorrhoids
Hipe Soreness
Linea Nigra
Pubic bone pain
Weepiness (Emotional)
Yeast Infection

Good luck to all of you who are expecting and are mothers
- ANSWER:
  Well, the first 3 months were horrible, I had morning, afternoon and night sickness. I had faintness/dizziness sometimes when I was cleaning but I would sit back and relax right away and had no problems then. I was very emotional and a lot of stuff got on my nerves. I smelled everything double as much, which was sometimes really horrible! I had bleeding gums and heartburn really bad throughout my pregnancy. Other then that my pregnancy was fine.
  
  Good luck to you to, if this is your first…your going to love being a mommy
QUESTION:
How to keep gingivitis bacteria low with major tooth decay, during pregnancy to avoid preterm labor?
Gingivitis, tooth decay, gum disease, the bacterias from these diseases/ conditions are known for causing pre-term labor and low birth weight babies. I want my child to be healthy, I also want to stop the pain in my mouth/ teeth. I dont have dental insurance, but I will be going to the dentist within 1 month to get some help. I was wondering if anyone could tell me how to keep these bacterias at bay, so that they do not cause harm to my unborn child? I can not floss, due to tooth decay near the gums of my teeth, the floss just gets stuck and I have a hard time getting it back out, there is no way for me to floss with dental floss. I have tried to use the water pic to floss, this used to work, but I have a couple exposed nerves and it hurts so bad when the water pic sends water hitting into the nerve. I have covered most of the exposed nerves with temorin, over the counter temporary cavity filler. I think I will try to use the water pic again now that the nerves are not so exposed. Other than this what can keep these bacterias from going crazy and causing more harm? Gargling salt water? Listerine? Brushing 2 times a day. What else can I do? Thanks in advance, best wishes to you all, and God bless you.
- ANSWER:
  you are doing exactly the same tips that will be given by a dentist & you should be doing great with that.
  
  the problem is due to the already damage teeth which is causing the problems.
  
  second trimester is the best time for any dental treatment.
QUESTION:
do i have gingivitis?……………….?
i dont know whats wrong With my gums but about a week ago i woke up and a part of my gums were bothering me. its the gum between my 2 bottom teeth its like moves when i touch it like itseparates from my teeth. im also pregnant so if it is gingivitis it could be pregnancy gingivitis.
also where this is happing its like swollen. its deffinitly bigger then it is supposed to be there
- ANSWER:
  Yes you do
QUESTION:
Sore & itchy gums through pregnancy?
Has anyone had really tender/sore/itchy gums during pregnancy? I saw my dentist today and he said it’s purely pregnancy gingivitis, however it feels sore when I clench as if the pain is in my teeth. Do you think it would be teeth/and or gum problems? The dentist didn’t seem to think it was my teeth, more gums… but then they could only take an x-ray to really know. Thanks for advice! It’s really bothering me and starting to give me headaches……..
- ANSWER:
  I had the same thing!! My gums actually bled all the time! Now they are fine. Get through your pregnancy first then if it doesn’t clear get another check up. I dont know what to say about it bothering you….tylenol. One of the lesser perks of pregnancy. Sorry
QUESTION:
Sore gums & teeth during pregnancy?
Has anyone had really tender/sore/itchy gums during pregnancy? I saw my dentist today and he said it’s purely pregnancy gingivitis, however it feels sore when I clench as if the pain is in my teeth. Do you think it would be teeth/and or gum problems? The dentist didn’t seem to think it was my teeth, more gums… but then they could only take an x-ray to really know. Thanks for advice! It’s really bothering me and starting to give me headaches……..
- ANSWER:
  YES! I had sore gums every time I was pregnant. My dentist told me that it is common for teeth to move during pregnancy (another thing my mother didn’t tell me!). I took Tylenol sometimes and rinsed with mouthwash – it seemed to help a bit but I never really found a ‘cure’ for it.
QUESTION:
31 weeks pregnant, question about gingivitis/bleeding gums..help!!?
Im 31 weeks pregnant and for the past couple months my gums have been bleeding, especially the front teeth. Whenever i brush and floss they bleed, and when i get up in the morning the gums surrounding my front 2 teeth are puffy, and will bleed for no reason even before i brush.
I floss, and brush twice a day and drink plenty of water and i dont know why this is still happening to me, i called my dentist and they have no appointments available till the end of august unless its an emergency app. Iam planning to call back monday to book an emergency appoinment, seeing as i looked online and saw that one womans child was born at 39 weeks STILLBORN, due to pregnancy gingivitis. ugh.. i know its common in woman but now im worried the bacteria from my gums is transferring to the amniotic fluid. help me plz
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
Is it OK to floss brush and rinse 3 times a day?
I went to the dentist and they said I had pregnancy gingivitis. So I have begun to brush rinse and floss after breakfast, after lunch and right before I go to bed. Is this too much??
After doing this for a day my gums no longer bleed!!
- ANSWER:
  No, it’s good.
QUESTION:
Bleeding gums during pregnancy?
I have bad bleeding gums when I brush sometimes. It just started getting really bad at around 11 weeks. I’m going to the dentist soon to deal with it. In the meantime are there any suggestions you have? I bought a Sonicare toothbrush, started flossing (I admit, I never did it before) and started using Listerine. I’m really embarrassed about the amount of blood coming from my gums when I brush. Did this happen to anyone during pregnancy? I don’t want to be alone in this.

*please no rude answers, I asked before about pregnancy gingivitis and that person told me it will cause my baby to be mentally retarded. thanks.
- ANSWER:
  bleeding gums can be a warning and obvious sign that you are under attack by gum disease. be aware that gum disease shows off a warning sign in the advanced stage. have it checked by a dental expert to get proper treatments.
  
  tooth loss can eventually happen if you left gum disease untreated. if do not pay close attention to good oral hygiene then it can result to gum problems. make it a habit to carefully and properly brush and floss teeth every after meal. this can help remove plaque that sticks around teeth. and can fight bad bacteria that can cause oral infections.
  
  dental visits and dental cleanings are very helpful in taking care of the gums, teeth and oral health. an all natural oral care product can help keep gums and teeth healthy and promote fresh breath. visit http://www.oramd.co.uk for more tips on how to take care of the gums.
QUESTION:
could i be having pregnancy/STD symptoms ALREADY?
im 17 years old. may 21st (friday night) i lost my virginity to two guys i just met. we were drinking and they took advantage of me. im not sure if either or both wore a condom.

since then, ive been having menstrual-like cramps, a soar throat, really really tired a lot. i usually smoke cigarettes, but when i inhaled one today i almost vomitted from it. it was so horrible.

also, i have had perfect teeth my whole life, and now all of the sudden my gums are really sensitive and bleed a LOT. i read online that there is a thing called pregnancy gingivitis from hormones? and ive been feeling nauseous a lot.

its only been 6 days… could this be an STD or pregnancy?
yesterday i told my parents and a cop. he said it was legal because i wanted to, drunk or not. it didnt seem right to me either :/ i wouldnt have even KISSED those guys if i was sober.

and i have a doctors app next week. im just really nervous..
could the bleeing gums have anything to do with oral sex?
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
Has anyone else noticed their teeth seem looser with pregnancy?
Maybe it’s just me… But I swear even when I take a drink of water, I feel VERY slight movement from my front teeth. If I push on them hard enough, I can hear them moving. (Sounds weird, I know.) But I can’t physically see them. I’ve been to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned and get a filling less then a month ago. The dentist said it’s because I have pregnancy gingivitis and it doesn’t help that my wisdom teeth are growing in at the same time, but my teeth aren’t loose, they’re just being pushed by my wisdom teeth.

I was just wondering if anyone else experienced this with pregnancy?
- ANSWER:
  Same.. i had braces before tho so i thoguht that maybe my teeth were shifting but i went to the dentist and they took all the measurments and they said my teeth are the same as they were always but i feel like they move all the time.. i too have wisdom teeth growing in at the bottom and its killing my back moler!! seeing how we’re both in the same boat i think its normal!
QUESTION:
Anyone else suffer from bleeding gums?
I have terrible bleeding gums during this pregnancy. I am amazed at how much blood comes from them – they are also red and swollen. I am seeing the dentist and I know it is pregnancy gingivitis and it can cause problems. I just wanted to know if anyone else had this? I feel really gross about it and alone
My teeth are also starting to get REALLY sensitive to hot and cold.
- ANSWER:
  make sure you start using stuff that will strengthen your enamel, and floss more. I have had bleeding gums off and on, and when I start to get it again-I start flossing daily, and that seems nip it in the bud. I also went to get my teetch cleaned, etc, and she said just to keep doing what I was doing.
  
  The big problem is if it turns into an infection that attacks the bones/teeth. I’m sure this won’t happen, it’s just something that kept me constantly cleaning when I started to bleed.
QUESTION:
did anyone get a toothache while pregnant?
I have had a toothache for a couple days and my dentist said it might be pregnancy gingivitis..please if you could tell me how to deal with the pain..I’m 5 weeks pregnant.
- ANSWER:
  tell me about it. When iwas 6 weeks my tooth hurt for almost 3 weeks, it was very sensitive to cold and hot. my dentist told me to wait a couple of weeks to see if it gets better well it did now im 16 weeks my gums are swollen… aggggh
  
  My dr. told me it was safe to take tylenol
QUESTION:
help, I have gingivitis
I am in the third trimester of my third pregnancy and have recently developed gingivitis.My mouth feels like it’s falling apart, how should I tackle this? I am so sore and my gums bleed every time I brush.
- ANSWER:
  IN GENERAL ITS SHOULD BE PREGNANCY TUMOR OR GINGIVITIS HOW NEED
  1-SCALING
  2- ROOT PLANING
  3-WATER PIC
  AND IT WILL DISAPPEARED AFTER PREGNANCY
  GOOD LUCK
QUESTION:
Sonic toothbrush, rotating toothbrush or manual brush?
I went to the dentist today and told me I have pregnancy gingivitis. She advised me to get a rotating head electric toothbrush.
I used one before and it damaged my gums so I did some research and found that a sonic toothbrush is very good but have also found that a manual is best.
Any advice greatfully welcomed. Thank you.
- ANSWER:
  Actually, the previous answer is not quite right. Consumer Reports, the highly respected and independent testing agency recently tested toothbrushes, and the one they found the most effective was a rotating head brush, with the sonic brush a close second. In other words, Consumer Reports agrees with your dentist.
  
  As it happens, I have used all three in the last few months, ever since I started to get serious about taking better care of my teeth. I am currently using a sonic brush, but I am thinking seriously about going back to the rotating head type. The reason is that I find it much simpler to clean the back of my teeth with the rotating head. It just reaches back there more easily, because the rotating head is small enough. Sonic brushes have the advantage of their sonic action, which cleans between teeth better than other types. But if you floss regularly, as you should, I think that advantage starts to go away.
  
  Basically, all three types of brushes will do the job if you use them the right way, which includes brushing for at least two minutes at least twice a day. If you like one type of brush more than the others, it might make you use it more, and that would definitely make it the best brush for you.
  
  Since your dentist recommends a rotating head, start with that one. An inexpensive but fairly good rotating head brush is the Spinbrush by Arm & Hammer (formerly made by Crest). You can pick that up for less than in most drug stores. Oral B makes much more sophisticated rotating head brushes, but they can also cost more than ten times as much.
  
  Good luck, and I hope this helps.
QUESTION:
Gingivitis?
Ok, I’m 20 yrs old and I am terrified of the dentist for some reason, anyway I went to the dentist for the first time in 11 years. She said I have some gingivitis which may be caused by my pregnancy. Anyway they want to numb my mouth and clean each tooth she said it takes a couple hours, to me that sounds painful. But my question is, is there a way to get rid of gingivitis at home? I have been reading on some ways I just want to know if that really works. I really don’t want to go back for that tooth cleaning it freaks me out. If there is a way to get rid of it at home, how can I do it? Thx
- ANSWER:
  It is definitely GINGIVITIS! Gingivitis can create serious health problems. Gingivitis almost always leads to bad breath, a serious social problem for many people. Brushing the teeth to remove plaque and tartar helps, as does treating canker sores that may appear on the gums and taking other steps to maintain good oral hygiene. Unless gingivitis is kept under control by tooth brushing and flossing and where necessary, getting tips fromhttp://www.themouthdoctor.co.uk/ the condition will recur.
QUESTION:
TONS of pregnancy symptoms! Do you think I am?? Please answer!?
okay the last time I could have gotten pregnant was end of jan.. ive had my period three times since then but very light and short. Yet I am having all these symptoms and I am just so confused. Ive heard of women bleeding during pregnancy which they mistook for their period, and had negative hpts(which I have taken several, all negative) but eventually found out they were really pregnant. Well here are all the symptoms i have.. and i am not just trying to feel them cause i want to be pregnant.. i am okay with either result

headaches
backaches
teeth pain (which ive heard many women suffer from this during pregnancy and my dentist said they are very prone to gingivitis.
stomach cramping/burning sensations/pinching
lots of gas which i dont usually have ever
lower back burning
inside of my labias has turned a bit dark (which i saw that and was confused.. when looked it up it said pregnant womens areolas and labias can turn darker
and i have a yeast infection which I have NEVER had before and once again.. looked it up and found that pregnant women are also very prone to yeast infections

so… its almost like if I am not pregnant than it is so random that I would have ALL these symptoms at once. I am not just imagining it cause its freaking me out! I will go for a blood test and doc appt asap but just want opinions for now!
Well I want opinions! isnt that why we all use this?? Im not seeking medical advice! ill get that from my doc.. but in the MEAN TIME.. opinions please!
- ANSWER:
  i would say go and see your gp as you having a few symptoms and get him to do a pregnancy test best of luck xx
QUESTION:
Bleeding and sensitive gums (Not from gingivitis).. Pregnant?
I just ordered some pregnancy tests online, so I haven’t had a chance to take any yet…

Lately I have noticed that my gums bleed almost every time I brush my teeth, they also hurt while brushing. I know I don’t have gingivitis because I was just at the dentist and everything checked out fine. My bleeding/sensitive gums just started this week. I take very good care of my teeth, brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash everyday. I read online that bleeding gums can happen during pregnancy because of hormonal changes.. but my question is, does it happen this early? I have never experienced this before.. My period is 2 days late, but that is normal since my cycles are irregular. Anyone else experience this?

Thanks
- ANSWER:
  I am 19.5 weeks pregnant and I have pregnancy gingivitis (that’s what my OB calls it). My gums are so sensitive they bleed when I brush them, when I say bleed I really mean BLEED. I have actually gone through a few tooth brushes because of it. So it is common for this to happen. Although mine did not start until about two months ago, but everyone is different.
QUESTION:
I have almost all the symptoms of early pregnancy but a negative test.?
I want to know should I go to the doctor or am I just worrying to much. I have been feeling nauseous, dizzy, I get head aches often have had less hair falling out (I searched pregnancy symptoms even weird ones) I have had darker hair on my legs and my stumach, I usually don’t get pms of any kind of cramps but lately I have been snaping at everyone that even looks at me the wrong way and I am normally a very nice person, and I was suposed to get my period the last week of november, today I has some spotting that only happend this morning and never again throughout the rest of the day. I also had really bad cramps yesterday and today. I even have gingivitis which I did not think was a symptom until I searched wierd ones and found it could mean that I am going to have a miscarriage or a pre mature birth though I could have a gum desease I doubt it because I floss daily and brush my teeth three times a day and use mouth wash. my dentist tells me everytime I go in that I am one of the best teeth brushers though she says it not so odd sounding. I have a stuffy bloody nose which I read is also a symptom I thought I was getting a cold but I usually don’t get bloody nose’s and blurry vision is also one that I have that I didn’t know either I was very surprised to find some of these things out, but I also don’t understand what else it could be if it is not pregnancy could my test be wrong should I go to the doctor I am strongly leaning toward it, most likely dispite what anyone says I probably will go, but I just want to make sure I sound like I should and that it could not just be in my head but i guess it could.
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
joining army and dental issues?
ok will receded gums DQ someone from joining the army? I have no dental insurance and I am trying my best to do what I can. Will it DQ me from joining? I have no other health issues at all, I just never really took good care of my teeth when I was younger and then the pregnancy gingivitis took over and it was downhill from there. (i have 2 kids)
no i am not a single parent… yeah i am not sure the 2 bottom teeth are worse than the rest of my mouth and have receded the most.
- ANSWER:
  According to my colleagues in the Army Recruiting Service, it depends on the severity of your receded gums. If it’ll require the attention of a dentist to correct it could be a problem, but if it’s something that can be corrected within the next year by practicing good oral hygiene, you should be OK. However, you mentioned you have two children — Are you a single parent? If so, no branch of the Armed Forces will take you.
QUESTION:
Does it happen to all women?
when a women is pregnant, do all women get pregnancy induced gingivitis? and how far along in pregnancy does it start to happen?
- ANSWER:
  I didn’t. Good dental hygiene is very important, especially in pregnancy. Our bodies are depleted of the calcium and vitamins we need. I suggest you get a good cleaning, telling the doctor that you are in your—– trimester. Make sure you brush your gums and tongue, along with your teeth every day, twice a day. Eat apples and crunchy things to help keep things strong. Milk,cheese, yogurt, all these can help. Prenatal vitamins help allot too.
QUESTION:
34weeks pregnant and having dental problems what can I do?
Ok I have never had any problems with my teeth at all never a cavity or anything. I take good care of my teeth but ever since I’ve hit 34th week in pregnancy my bottom teeth have started bothering me, my gums are red and swollen and my teeth hurt, the bleed when I brush them. So I don’t have dental insurance right at the moment and I have been using hydrogen peroxide and warm salt water and flossing and then listerine and then brushing my teeth ok it seems like the swellen is going down but the pain isn’t. So my ? Is what can I do? Am I doing something wrong? Can it really be pregnancy gingivitis and how can I get rid of it pls help I can’t stand it anymore
- ANSWER:
  Gum swelling is normal in pregnant women, you need to have them cleaned at teh dentist,no harm to baby, its a hormonal thing
QUESTION:
Pregnant, but my dentists needs to do an xray to fix my teeth?!?
I’m 13 weeks pregnant, and will be even further along by the time of this appointment, but my dentist says that he needs to xray my teeth because i have a cavity that’s in a critical state that he wants to fix. he says that he must do the xray and do a root canal, even placing me under anesthesia for the procedure or I will lose this tooth before my baby is even born due to pregnancy gingivitis (not that I wasn’t a cavity already, but they had fixed it, but now it’s in terrible condition). I however, was never too keen on this idea and feel like I’d rather loose my tooth than hurt my little one. The dentist still says that the xray wont hurt because we’ll wait until I’m further along in the pregnancy to do it and I’ll be covered by a leather vest for protection. Is this really safe for my baby or is my dentists totally insane?!?!
- ANSWER:
  Don’t be scared of the word “X-ray”. Knowing x-rays may be harmful if you’re pregnant is a caution, so you and your doctors, etc, know to be very careful and choosy about using an x-ray. It doesn’t mean all x-rays are automatically going to harm you’re baby. Far from it.
  
  It is important for you to be healthy so you’re baby can be healthy. If you get a serious infection and have to be treated for it during pregnancy, that can be a risk also. Pregnancy is all about being aware of and balancing risks. There’s no such thing as a risk free pregnancy.
  
  Trust your dentist, be healthy.
QUESTION:
How can I test when I am up 3 or 4 times in a night?
I am 21 years old and engaged.
Well I may be pregnant, I have had symptoms as in missed period (thats not a for sure sign for me cuz ive skipped b4) I have had some slight cramping here and there, my breast are a bit bigger and so are my nipples and a little bit sore. I have lower back pain, and a thin clear vaginal discharge when I wipe and notice a little bit on my underware and have noticed this for 2 weeks now. I have been feeling more tired than normal, and it seems as if my jeans are a little tighter. I have been hungry more often, and my heart rate is a little bit faster. Today I took my blood pressure to see if my heart rate was a little faster and my blood pressure was 141/90 and my heart rate was 112. I have had some gas as well. I would be a little over 6 weeks pregnant.
These are just things I wanted to add.
I got me a test today to see if I am pregnant. But the problem falls cuz I usually get up in the middle of the night to pee, maybe 3 or 4 times so how can I know what urine to use??
I can not hold my pee either.
And my last period was August 16th so my period is 2 weeks and 2 days late.

Also my gums are all red on the bottom and a little swollen and I take really good care of my teeth, so could this be pregnancy gingivitis? I can not find how early it can start but if someone could tell me it would be helpful.
No rude comments please?!
- ANSWER:
  Well I would just test anyway. I was the same way, I was always up in the middle of the night. I just bought a test after work one day and took it home and peed on it before I went to bed. It still showed a positive.
  The only thing is the hormone won’t be as strong in your urine because you’re peeing so often, so you would be more likely to get a false negative. But if you’re already 2 weeks late chances are the hormone would be in there enough to give at least a faint positive if you are. And if it comes up negative, just try again in a week.
  Good luck!
QUESTION:
tooth and jaw pain while pregnant,plz help?
Hey. I have been really bad about brushing my teeth latey, and then about a week ago I noticed that my gums were started to get inflamed, could that be pregnancy gingivitis? and ever sense I have been brushing, flossing and using mouth wash daily, but now my teeth are aching and throbbing so bad, and now my jaw is starting to ache and Im really worried. could the jaw pain be from my teeth hurting so bad. Im going to the dentist in a week for a cleaning, but Im really worried and stressing out about my teeth. Any advice would be appreciated. thanks.
I am 19 weeks pregnant.
- ANSWER:
  my teeth and jaw pain started sometime in the second trimester and im due in 3 weeks and it hasnt quit its because the baby is taking all the calcium i get, i take extra calcium pills which helped a little but not a lot tylenol doesnt help and some nights im up all night with the pain using a HOT wash rag and holding it to where it hurts makes it feel better oragel helps until you get used to it then you need ambesol and then when you get used to that i switch back to oragel
QUESTION:
Bleeding gums during pregnancy. I’ve heard it’s normal but…?
I’m still unsure. It mainly happens when I’m brushing my teeth. But last night it just starting happening out of the blue when I wasn’t eating or chewing anything!! It stopped once I rinsed my mouth out with some mouthwash, but it still makes me wonder if I have gingivitis or something crazy. It just started happening a couple weeks ago………I’m 19 weeks along by the way………
- ANSWER:
  Its normal hun, i’m 27w6d and a dental nurse so i know what i’m talking about!
  
  The extra hormones in your body during pregnancy increase blood flow to all areas of your body including your gums and so they are much more likely to bleed when aggravated by brushing and flossing. Its called pregnancy gingivitis, will stop once baby is born and nothing serious.
  
  That said, the worst thing you can do is be afraid of the bleeding and stop brushing/flossing or be extra ‘gentle’. You need to really keep on top of your oral hygiene, and don’t worry if they bleed, if you persist with excellent oral hygiene the gums will toughen up, if you dont, they will get more and more sensitive and bleed more!
  
  Congrats on baby xx
QUESTION:
How to calculate epi rates?
Here is a question that is from the textbook. Its driving me crazy!!! if anyone can show HOW they got the answers-that would be most helpful.

We undertook a concurrent cohort study with intervention to determine the association between periodontal disease
and preterm low birth weight. Two groups of pregnant women were used. The first group was women with periodontal disease who received no periodontal treatment during pregnancy. The second group was women with gingivitis or mild periodontitis who received periodontal treatment before 28 weeks’ gestation. For the objective of the current study, to determine the relationship between periodontal disease and adverse delivery outcomes, women with gingivitis or mild periodontitis treated before 28 weeks’ gestation were considered periodontally healthy and without periodontal infection, and were used as the comparison group.

Although 722 women were initially enrolled in the study, 83 (11.5%) were excluded for various reasons. Of these, 53 (11.5%) were in the group of periodontally healthy women and 30 (11.2%) in the group with periodontal disease. Of the excluded women, 60 were lost to follow-up, 14 had a spontaneous abortion, and nine had medically indicated preterm delivery due to pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, or polyhydroamnios. Because on the exclusions, 639 women finished the study. Of these study participants, 406 were in the group of periodontally healthy women and 233 in the group with periodontal disease.
The total number of preterm births was 18 and the total number of low birth weight cases was 12. The number of preterm births was 6 among periodontally healthy women and 12 among women with periodontal disease. The number of low birth weight cases was 4 among periodontally healthy women and 8 among women with periodontal disease. Overall, the total number of preterm low-birth-weight (PLBW) cases identified in the study was 30. Of these, 18 were preterm births and 12 were low-birth-weight infants. The number of PLBW cases was 10 among periodontally healthy women and 20 among women with periodontal disease.

here are the questions:
7. Calculate the incidence of PLBW in the exposed group -
8. Calculate the incidence of PLBW in the non-exposed group -
9. Calculate the relative risk -

it seems like it too much info in the problem so I just want to make sure I did it correctly. Thanks!
- ANSWER:
  #7. I(exposed)=20/233
  
  #8. I(non-exposed)=10/406
  
  #9 RR=(20/233)/(10/406)
QUESTION:
dentist prescribed peridex alcohol mouthwash during pregnancy?
i am 21 weeks pregnant.i am worried anyone help me its safe or not? re occurred gingivitis so doctor prescribed it
Peridex is an oral rinse containing 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (1, 11-hexamethylene bis [5-(p-chlorophenyl) biguanide] di-D-gluconate in a base containing water, 11.6% alcohol, glycerin, PEG-40 sorbitan diisostearate, flavor, sodium saccharin, and FD&C Blue No. 1. Peridex oral rinse is a near-neutral solution (pH range 5-7).
- ANSWER:
  PEXIDES HAS CHLOROHEXIDINE GLUCONATE WHICH IS SAFE FOR USE IN PREGNANCY BECAUSE YOU DON’T INGEST IT BUT ONLY RINSE WITH IT.
QUESTION:
If you chose to Pre empt. any health problem which of the following would you choose to do ?
1. Have all your hair permanantly removed to avoid any chance of lice, or related dermitilogical dosease
2. Have your breasts removed to eliminate any chance of breast cancer.
3. Have your teeth removed to avoid any chance of gingivitis, need for root canals, decay, etc.
4. Have your appendix removed to avoid an chance of a ruptured appendix.
5. have your toenails removed to avoid any chance of getting those nasty fungus’
6.Get a preventive hysterectomy to remove any chance of overian cancer.
7.Get a vasectomy after puberty to avoid causing any accidental pregnancy( Freeze some sperm for future use).
8.Circumsize all male babies to eliminate the need for educating good penile hygiene.
- ANSWER:
  Of your list I would
  
  NOT do 1 – a temporary shave is good enough, and there are a ton of good treatments in any case
  
  NOT do 2 – being male, my risk of breast cancer is MUCH MUCH smaller than that of a female
  
  NOT do 3 – I’d prefer to brush my teeth and take my chances
  
  I WOULD do 4 if I was going to antarctica or outer space or some place for a long time where appendicitis means death
  
  NOT do 5
  
  NOT do 6 (am male) and a hysterectomy prevents ENDOMETRIAL CANCER – an oophorectomy prevents ovarian cancer
  
  I have done 7
  
  NOT do 8
QUESTION:
What is it??
What is pregnancy induced gingivitis?
- ANSWER:
  gingivitis that happenso nly when pregnant.
  its an infection in oyur gums.
QUESTION:
Period has not come yet! help?
I got my last period on July 31st since i’ve been past due for my period i’ve taken one test and its been negative. I’ve not really felt any symptoms except for feeling nauseus on and off and being very very sleepy. Just recently i’ve developed a canker sore in my mouth (I dont have any STD’s) and have come down with a bad case of gingivitis. I heard pregnancy can cause this symptom. i’ve also had bad acne which is not normal for me. i’m not sure if i am pregnant and dont wanna waste more money on a negative HPT. If i do decide to take one would it definitely show up positive if i was?
Regarding the gingivitis…i have pretty good oral hygiene and have never had a problem like this before. It just started happening like three days ago after i went swimming. I went to work and noticed my mouth was hurting really bad. i’ve never been pregnant before and i’m not sure what to look for. Yeah i know the usual signs and symptoms but everyone is different and i know some people dont feel much at all. just any advice would be helpful
- ANSWER:
  Yup…get a test. Now would be a good time. It has been over a month, you wouldn’t be wasting your money.
QUESTION:
Please help….lump under gums that hurt?
I need help. I can’t see a dentist till my insurance kicks in on March first.
Anyways. I’ve been feeling ill for awhile with a sinus infection…and a sore pain in my lower right jaw and a tiny hardly noticibal bit of swelling. Anyways I had a baby about four months ago. During my pregnancy I had gotten VERY bad gingivitis. I recentally started taking much better care of my teeth, and it seems to be alot better. Only deal is I stll get this really bad pain in my right lower jaw…and if I don’t have antibotics it gets really bad and I start feeling nauses and dizzy and headaches. So I was feelin around in my mouth and on the right side by my toung at the bottom of my gums on the right side I have lumps under that area in my gum that hurt when pressed on. I can’t see them with a flashlight but I can feel them under my gum. It is not there on my left side.

I am freaking out it’s cancer or something…Any advice on what you think?? I can’t see a dentist till march first but next week I made an appt with a doctor. Just worried and wanna know if anyone has any idea what it could be…?
Wisdom teeth were removed. But the doctor did say the one on the right side was really deep down and touching a nerve.
- ANSWER:
  Sounds like one of your wisdom teeth is pressing on your gum abit it should stop hurting soon or you can get it removed.
QUESTION:
I am 8 weeks pregnant. What do my loosing teeth dreams mean?
I used to have dreams quite often when I wasn’t pregnant of a tooth here and there falling out. Last night I had a dream that all my teeth and my gums were falling out together and it hurt. No blood, my gums just looked purple. Chewing gum was the only thing keeping them in place.

I remember thinking in my dream, “I knew pregnancy could cause you to have gingivitis, but I didn’t think it would be this bad.” My mom was there and she kept worrying. My husband was there and he was taking a long time calling the doctor, so I was mad at him. My best friend, Laura was there, she had no part in the dream though. The doctor said it was critical and was going to meta flight me to the city.

I heard it teeth falling out and hurting could be a sign of a family member or close relative dying. My husband is out of town and is going to be making the drive home tomorrow. Now I can’t help but worry and worry!
- ANSWER:
  I’m sorry I can’t tell you what it means (and dreams DO have meanings about your internal thought processes), but losing your teeth is actually a very common dream, along with flying, being chased, showing up for class wearing nothing, etc. So, no, it doesn’t mean your husband is in any danger.
QUESTION:
I think I am pregnant but am not 100% sure?
I keep having weird things happen to me and every time I think something is wrong and search it relates to pregnancy. Like I randomly got really severe gingivitis and I brush my teeth floss and use mouthwash at least once a day I brush at least twice, and then I keep getting light headed and dizzy and I feel sick to my stomach but never throw up, and I am falling asleep a lot earlier but getting up at the same time. I should be about 2 months maybe three months pregnant if I am but every time I take a pregnancy test it says I am not. I believed that I was not pregnant until different symtoms started to come up and now I don’t know what to do, I never felt this way before and it is not fun so either I am pregnant or there is something seriously wrong with me.
- ANSWER:
  yeah you should go to the Dr. and have them test you. you could be pregnant i know some women who have not had a pregnancy test come up positive but they can do a blood test or ultrasound to make sure. good luck
QUESTION:
Terrified of the dentist and its even worse now that I’m pregnant! +OQ?
I’m going to the dentist on Friday for the first time in many years. I’ve always been terrified of the dentist/procedures/tools. Everything about it scares me, including the smell of a dentists office! I’m pregnant (6 months) and Friday is only to get x-rays to see what I need done. I know I need at least one filling and one cap or something. I’m even scared of just x-rays and what they’ll find. I also know I have gingivitis.

Are dental x-rays even safe during pregnancy? Whenever I have to go in they always give me sleeping gas stuff or a shot in the gums. If I have to have work done during pregnancy, can they do any of those two things to help me? Any tips on how to help me and my extreme dentist phobia?
- ANSWER:
  I think it is better to wait till the birth, during this time try to get home treatments, try to ask doctors about that, I know that it is not advisable to do your teeth during your pregnancy.
QUESTION:
is this essay about periodontal disease good so far?
Without proper care of the teeth and the gingiva, periodontal disease could easily take over anyone’s mouth and could possibly mean the end to the teeth. This serious disease can be prevented or treated at an early stage by simply brushing and flossing.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures that surround the teeth. It begins with food debris and plaque not being brushed or flossed off and they turn into bacteria that worsens and leads to puffiness in the gingiva. Plaque must be taken off the teeth by brushing and flossing twice a day to prevent infection., but it only takes 24 hours for plaque to build up again. A few things that can lower your defenses, and help cause some form of periodontal disease, are: smoking, diabetes, stress, medicine, pregnancy, puberty, AIDS, HIV, cancer, and even diet, to name a few.

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Most people do not find out they have this condition until a dentist advises them of it. Signs of gingivitis are: red gums, inflamed gums, bleeding while brushing and/or flossing, sensitive gums, possible bad breath, or bad taste. Gingivitis can easily be treated by brushing, flossing and using a mouth wash and no real pain is usually associated with gingivitis.

After gingivitis is left untreated, it can turn into mild periodontitis, moderate periodontitis, and finally advanced periodontitis. Signs of these forms of periodontitis are: more pronounced bleeding, longer looking teeth, gum boils, abscesses, periodontal pockets, and mobility of the teeth. When these signs are reached
After the age of 35, 3 out of 4 adults have some form of periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss.
- ANSWER:
  that is really really good! and scary.. i am going to brush and floss everyday now!