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Inflammation of the gums is particularly dangerous for pregnant women. Changes in the tissue of the pregnant woman cause vessels in the gums to become more permeable. This makes the gums very vulnerable and regularly leads to bleeding gums in many pregnant women, especially when brushing their teeth. If the small open wounds become inflamed, there is a risk of serious periodontitis – and this in turn can increase the inflammatory burden in the body and lead to complications in the further course of the pregnancy. Doctors also warn that periodontitis even increases the risk of premature birth.
During pregnancy it is therefore more important than ever: Have regular check-ups at the dentist and invest some money in a medical tooth cleaning. To prevent bleeding gums, tooth decay and the like, you can also follow these tips during pregnancy.
This is how your teeth stay healthy during pregnancy
- Use a soft toothbrush: Even if you personally prefer stiffer bristles, it is better to switch to a soft bristled toothbrush during pregnancy. If you use an electronic brush, choose a cleaning program that is gentle on your teeth and sensitive gums.
- Change toothbrush more often: Normally, we should all replace our toothbrushes every three months. Pregnant women are welcome to reach for a new brush even more regularly. The bacteria that inevitably collect on the cleaning head can quickly cause inflammation. During pregnancy, the immune systems of expectant mothers are shut down. This offers bacteria perfect conditions and easy opportunities to invade.
- Use mouthwash: With extremely irritated gums and active inflammation, even the slightest touch with the bristles of the toothbrush can cause severe pain. However, you do not have to do without oral hygiene. Reach for antibacterial mouthwash. In pharmacies you will find particularly effective rinses for periodontitis.
- Do not brush teeth immediately after vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are classic symptoms of the first trimester of pregnancy. For many women, the nausea and vomiting will go away on their own around the 12th week of pregnancy; but other women suffer from the symptoms until the end of the pregnancy. If you are one of those women who throw up regularly, be aware that the protective enamel on your teeth is severely damaged by stomach acid. As much as you would like to get rid of the unpleasant taste in your mouth after vomiting, wait a while before brushing your teeth. Immediate brushing would only stress the damaged enamel even further. This makes it easier for tooth decay to eat into the tooth.
- Gum care containing fluoride: You should switch to toothpaste containing fluoride at the latest when you are pregnant. Fluoride is a natural building block in our teeth and bones and can help harden tooth enamel. This is particularly important during pregnancy because the pH of the saliva changes. The saliva becomes more acidic and attacks the enamel more. You can also use special gels for the gums. Massage the gel into the gums twice a day with light pressure and circular finger movements.