Pregnancy- associated gingivitis
Pregnancy-associated gingivitis is the most see oral occurrence of pregnancy. During pregnancy there is in an increase in Estrogen and Progesterone that serve as nutrients to bacteria in the oral cavity which in turn causes gingivitis. Progesterone also causes the blood vessels to dilate that brings gums to swell and bleed. Gingivitis can lead to gum tenderness, bad breath and pus along the gum line. If gingivitis is left untreated it can lead to periodontal disease.
Pregnancy-associated gingivitis is the most see oral occurrence of pregnancy. During pregnancy there is in an increase in Estrogen and Progesterone that serve as nutrients to bacteria in the oral cavity which in turn causes gingivitis. Progesterone also causes the blood vessels to dilate that brings gums to swell and bleed. Gingivitis can lead to gum tenderness, bad breath and pus along the gum line. If gingivitis is left untreated it can lead to periodontal disease.
Benign oral gingival lesions (Pregnancy granulomas)
These lesions of the gums are benign and called Pregnancy granulomas. They are only present in less than 10% of pregnant women. The lesions are isolated, soft tissue, tumor like growths that are most prevalent in the gum area of the front teeth. They are usually no larger than 2 cm and appear bright red to dark purple in color. They are usually caused by poor oral hygiene and the effects of estrogen and progesterone on the immune system. The granulomas are painless and are known to easily bleed if disturbed.
These lesions of the gums are benign and called Pregnancy granulomas. They are only present in less than 10% of pregnant women. The lesions are isolated, soft tissue, tumor like growths that are most prevalent in the gum area of the front teeth. They are usually no larger than 2 cm and appear bright red to dark purple in color. They are usually caused by poor oral hygiene and the effects of estrogen and progesterone on the immune system. The granulomas are painless and are known to easily bleed if disturbed.
Tooth Mobility
During pregnancy the fibers and bone that support and hold the teeth in its socket can temporarily loosen causing the teeth to be slightly movable. This is usual a normal occurrence and will repair itself after pregnancy. Pregnancy associated gingivitis can also cause tooth mobility, as well as the more advanced periodontal disease.
During pregnancy the fibers and bone that support and hold the teeth in its socket can temporarily loosen causing the teeth to be slightly movable. This is usual a normal occurrence and will repair itself after pregnancy. Pregnancy associated gingivitis can also cause tooth mobility, as well as the more advanced periodontal disease.
Tooth erosion
Erosion of tooth enamel is very common during pregnancy for a few reasons. First, morning sickness causes vomiting that brings gastric acid to the oral cavity and the teeth causing erosion. Hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition similar to morning sickness but occuring throughout pregnancy also causes vomiting and enamel erosion. Lastly, Gastric reflux (Acid Reflux) also brings gastric acid to the oral cavity that causes erosion.
Erosion of tooth enamel is very common during pregnancy for a few reasons. First, morning sickness causes vomiting that brings gastric acid to the oral cavity and the teeth causing erosion. Hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition similar to morning sickness but occuring throughout pregnancy also causes vomiting and enamel erosion. Lastly, Gastric reflux (Acid Reflux) also brings gastric acid to the oral cavity that causes erosion.
Dental caries (Cavities)
Dental caries can arise during pregnancy from many factors. The increase of acid in the oral cavity causes the teeth to erode and breakdown making them more susceptible to cavities. Pregnancy cravings can often lead to an increase intake of sugary foods and beverages that also help contribute to cavities. A lack of oral health and maintenance combined with other factors listed create a hostile environment where cavities and decay can develop.
Dental caries can arise during pregnancy from many factors. The increase of acid in the oral cavity causes the teeth to erode and breakdown making them more susceptible to cavities. Pregnancy cravings can often lead to an increase intake of sugary foods and beverages that also help contribute to cavities. A lack of oral health and maintenance combined with other factors listed create a hostile environment where cavities and decay can develop.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis is not treated, it will progress into a more severe gingival disease called Periodontitis. Periodontitis can be associated with an infection of the gums and supporting bone of the teeth and can result in recession, tooth mobility, bone loss and bacteremia (when bacteria gets into the blood stream).
If gingivitis is not treated, it will progress into a more severe gingival disease called Periodontitis. Periodontitis can be associated with an infection of the gums and supporting bone of the teeth and can result in recession, tooth mobility, bone loss and bacteremia (when bacteria gets into the blood stream).