Pregnancy gingivitis and tumours: The little known side-effects of pregnancy

While pregnancy is a wonderful thing, there are some not-so-pleasant side effects.

But, while plenty of us are prepared for swollen ankles, ‘baby brain’, tiredness, nausea, and stretch marks, there is one common side-effect which many people aren’t expecting.

Yup, we’re talking about pregnancy gingivitis, periodontitis and pregnancy tumours.

What is pregnancy gingivitis?

Quite simply, it’s bleeding gums.

According to the NHS, the mild form of gum disease affects around a large number of pregnant women, leading to swollen, red, and tender gums which bleed when being flossed or brushed.

And, yes, it is all due to those pesky hormones. Again.

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a more serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth.

This can lead to your teeth becoming loose and falling out.

It can also, according to the Mayo Clinic, lead to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, as well as other serious health problems.

What are pregnancy tumours?

Some women can also develop a benign nodule (otherwise known as a pregnancy tumour or pyogenic granuloma) on their gums that bleeds when they brush.

These can grow up to three-quarters of an inch in size and usually disappear after your baby is born.

However if they cause discomfort, start to bleed profusely, or interfere with chewing or brushing, your detest may decide to remove them.

Will pregnancy gingivitis affect my pregnancy?

If you maintain good dental hygiene, this form of mild gum disease is extremely unlikely to cause you any harm.

You may have heard that there is a link between pregnancy gingivitis and having a baby with a low weight at birth, giving birth too early in the pregnancy, or having dangerously high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia) during pregnancy. This is due to the fact scientists have found traces from the mother’s mouth in the fluid around the baby, as well as in the blood inside the cord linking mother and baby.

However, a lot more research is needed to prove a “cause and effect” link between gum disease and pregnancy problems.

When should I call my dentist?

You should always have regular dental appointments during pregnancy; in fact, be sure to let the dentist know that you're pregnant and how far along you are, so that he can arrange extra appointments if necessary.

However you should ALWAYS phone your dental surgery and book an extra appointment if you experience any of the following:

How can I prevent pregnancy gingivitis?

You can prevent pregnancy gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean, especially near your gumline.

Here are a few tips on how best to do this:

Are there any dental procedures I should avoid?

You should attend, as mentioned, regular dental checkups and any scheduled cleanings.

However you should avoid having any non-emergency procedures until the second trimester of your pregnancy - and your doctor should be consulted if you DO need to undergo an emergency procedure which requires anaesthesia or medication. But do NOT be put off visiting your dents if there is an emergency, as there are many pregnancy-safe drugs and anaesthetics available.

You should also avoid x-rays during pregnancy; if it is essential, your dentist will use extreme caution to safeguard you and your baby from any unnecessary radiation exposure.

Elective and cosmetic dental procedures should be postponed until after your baby’s birth.