Bleeding gums in pregnancy
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Pregnancy is a difficult and exciting period in a woman's life. A special cause for excitement arises if there are any incomprehensible and unpleasant symptoms, for example, bleeding gums during pregnancy. But is this really a cause for concern, or are there no reasons to worry? Is it necessary to have some treatment, or will the bleeding take place on its own? We will try to understand.
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Causes of bleeding gums during pregnancy
The first possible cause of gum bleeding in pregnant women is considered to be the restructuring of the hormonal balance and the redistribution of metabolic processes. During pregnancy, the woman's immunity falls, the body becomes more vulnerable to infection. The structure of plaque can change, the amount of harmful pathogenic flora in the oral cavity increases. If, at the same time as these changes, there is an incorrect cleaning of the teeth, then the problem of bleeding can come to the fore: besides this, the coating of the tooth is weakened, down to the destruction of the enamel.
The second cause of bleeding from the gums during pregnancy is a deficiency of minerals in tissues, in particular calcium. The fact is that calcium, which is actively used for the formation of the musculoskeletal system of a growing in utero, should be replenished to the same degree from the outside - with food. If this does not happen, then the bone system and metabolic processes of the future mother suffer, which, among other things, affects the condition of the mouth - teeth and gums.
Plaque on the surface of the teeth, under the influence of pathogenic microorganisms, over time, is transformed into denser deposits, which are called tartar. These deposits must be periodically cleansed by special means at the reception at the dentist. This procedure is painless, done quickly enough, but it is indispensable for preventing such a serious gum disease as gingivitis.
Gingivitis is an inflammatory process, accompanied by redness, swelling and gingival hemorrhage. During pregnancy, this disease is more often manifested in the first trimester of pregnancy, against a background of toxicosis or a cardinal change in the hormonal background.
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Treatment of bleeding gums during pregnancy
To eliminate bleeding during pregnancy, it is useful to rinse the oral cavity with herbal infusions. This is done after eating and before bedtime. After rinsing, the infusion should be spat out, it is not recommended to swallow. Pregnant women can use for this purpose daisy, linden, bark of oak, St. John's wort, etc.
From ready-made products you can use the drug "Rotokan", which is made on the basis of drawing from chamomile, calendula and yarrow. "Rotokan" is bred in the amount of one teaspoon per 200 ml of water, used for rinsing.
It is also recommended to use various liniments and ointments from medicines, for example, "Metrogil Denta" (active components - metronidazole with chlorhexidine). Such gel destroys pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity and effectively removes inflammation. Metrogil Dent applied to the surface of the gums twice a day, using a cotton swab. The product is quite effective, but it is suitable for use only from the second trimester of pregnancy: in the first months of using the drug it is better to refrain.
During pregnancy, you should not self-medicate, it is better to consult a dentist. It is especially important to seek the help of a doctor if bleeding is accompanied by painful gums, and if the following symptoms occur:
- unpleasant odor from the mouth;
- not cleanable plaque on the surface of the teeth;
- swelling and swelling of the gums;
- formation of the periodontal pockets.
Remedies for bleeding gums during pregnancy
When choosing funds for bleeding during pregnancy, it is important to consider that not all drugs can be safe. For example, pregnant women can not perform the following procedures:
- injections of dental anesthetics based on epinephrine and its derivatives;
- pawning arsenic preparations in carious cavities;
- bleaching and denture procedures.
In the treatment of bleeding, preference should be given to alternative herbal remedies. Such remedies should be used only externally, because taking drugs inside may be dangerous for the child and for the course of pregnancy itself.
You can use rinses infusions of plants, for example, using chamomile, sage, oak bark, mountain arnica, yarrow. As an alternative to rinses it is allowed to apply cotton balls soaked in plant infusions, directly to the affected gums.
Helps and rinsing with ordinary vegetable oil: one tablespoon of sunflower unrefined oil rinse the mouth for 10 minutes. Then the oil is spit out, and the teeth are cleaned with a soft brush without a paste.
It is important to fill the lack of vitamins in pregnancy, because of their deficiency, too, there may be bleeding. As a treatment, cabbage brine is drunk, which is known to be rich in vitamin C, as well as freshly squeezed carrot or apple juice.
Of the most simple and affordable means, you can recommend rinsing the mouth with solutions of baking soda, sea salt or honey - for 1 tsp. Ingredient in 200 ml of warm water.
More information of the treatment
Preventing bleeding gums during pregnancy
Prevent bleeding gums if you follow the following tips:
- Teeth cleaning should be carried out twice a day - in the morning after breakfast and before bedtime;
- the toothbrush should be of medium rigidity, since too hard will injure weak areas of the mucosa, and excessively soft will not be effective enough to remove plaque;
- after each meal, it is recommended to rinse the mouth, especially after consuming sour and sweet foods;
- During tooth cleaning, it is advisable to use dental floss - it helps to eliminate the remnants of food in the interdental spaces;
- It is periodically recommended to rinse the oral cavity with solutions for strengthening the teeth and gums. Such solutions are sold already prepared, but they can be replaced with infusions of herbs or sea salt solution;
- it is desirable to exclude sweets from the diet (including sweet drinks);
- it is important to enrich the diet with vitamins and minerals, so eat more vegetables, fruits, greens, dried fruits, berries, fermented milk products.
Bleeding gums during pregnancy is not a reason for panic, but you can not ignore this symptom either. Inactivity can lead to the development of dangerous oral diseases, which can bring trouble not only to a woman, but also harm the future child. Therefore, do not be lazy to turn to specialists, even if bleeding is minimal: preventive measures are always better than treatment.