Pregnancy and Oral Health: Why are my gums swollen and bleeding?

By Deborah Pinnock on Feb 1, 2021 @ 10:00 AM

A fully furnished nursery, swaddles, diapers for months, wipes -- the list goes on! Because when you're expecting, you go into preparation mode to ensure everything is ready for your little one's arrival. And just like you prepare for your baby, your body is intelligent and prepares just as well. It releases various hormones throughout your pregnancy to facilitate your baby's safe growth and development.

While these pregnancy hormones are integral to your baby’s health, they also can lead to some oral health side effects. A few of the side effects include pregnancy gingivitis, periodontal disease, and pregnancy tumors.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Are you anxiously looking online for answers to questions like, “Why are my gums swollen and bleeding?” One of the oral health conditions that can occur during pregnancy is known as pregnancy gingivitis. Due to the increased blood flow during pregnancy, your gums may become inflamed, making them tender and swollen. This can cause your gums to bleed when you brush or floss. Pregnancy gingivitis is common and usually corrects itself after your baby is born (although it can persist if you’re nursing). The best action plan is to visit your dentist regularly during pregnancy.

Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis, when left unchecked, can turn into periodontal disease. This is where the bacteria in plaque produce toxins that irritate your gums and cause them to become inflamed. Your body becomes a “mama bear” and goes into defense mode. Unfortunately, it ends up fighting against itself, breaking down the tissues and bones supporting the teeth. The results? Bleeding, bad breath, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. Not treating this condition can have adverse effects on your baby because studies show that there is a link between oral health and pre-term birth, as well as low birth weight. Here are the risks associated with each scenario:

Pre-term Baby Health Risk

Vision and hearing loss
Digestive and feeding problems.
Respiratory problems

Low Birth Weight Health Risks

Learning disabilities
Delayed motor skills
Social growth challenges

Pregnancy Tumors

During the second trimester, there is something known as a pregnancy tumor. Now, the word tumor is generally scary, but according to the American Dental Association (ADA), these growths are not cancerous. It’s an overgrowth of tissues that appears on the gums, typically between teeth. It’s a red, raw lump that’s described as having the appearance of a raspberry. It bleeds easily and can make it uncomfortable to talk and eat. It usually disappears once you have your baby. The root cause is possibly an increased amount of plaque. However, speak with your dental provider if you have any concerns.

The most important way to prepare for your baby is to be healthy overall. Overall health consists of taking care of not only your body but also your mouth. After all, both are connected. That’s why conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, generally seen as only affecting the body, affect your oral health.

Oral health conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease can impact your overall health and the health of your baby. So, as you expect, consistently maintain your oral health and inform your dentist that you are pregnant.