There is no doubt that pregnancy is biologically the most important moment for each woman. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy make your teeth more vulnerable to gum inflammation, which may also affect the fetus health. This is why maintaining good dental health and good oral hygiene is extremely important.

The most common problem that occurs during pregnancy (usually in the second trimester) is pregnancy gingivitis, which affects more than 60% of women. This situation may be troublesome, as it involves gums’ swelling, tissues’ intense redness and bleeding. Neglected oral hygiene as well as hormonal changes increase the risk of developing oral health problems, as they make gum tissue more sensitive to plaque.

If pregnancy gingivitis remains unchecked, it can then migrate to a more serious condition called periodontitis. In this case, the damage may be permanent and, if not treated properly, can persist and possibly worsen after pregnancy.

Recent studies have shown that pregnant women with periodontitis are more likely to deliver prematurely and underweight babies than mothers with healthy gums. In order to prevent pregnancy gingivitis it is especially important not to skip professional dental cleanings, especially during the third and the seventh month.

Pregnancy epulides

Sometimes small lumps, with deep red markings on them, form on inflamed gum tissue, usually near the upper gum line. These growths are called pregnancy tumors and can occur at any time during the course of pregnancy, although they usually occur during the third or fourth month.

Pregnancy tumors are not cancerous and they disappear on their own after the baby's birth. However, if the tumor interferes with eating, the dentist may choose to remove it either during or after pregnancy.