Reviewed by Dr. Kerri Font, DDS
Reading time: three minutes
Pregnancy affects every part of the body, including the gums and supporting tissues. Hormonal shifts can increase inflammation, make the gums more reactive to plaque, and allow gum disease to progress more quickly than usual. Maintaining stable oral health during pregnancy helps protect both maternal health and fetal development.
Table of Contents
- Why Is Oral Hygiene Especially Important During Pregnancy?
- How Hormonal Changes Affect the Gums
- Pregnancy and the Risks of Periodontal Disease
- Daily Oral Care During Pregnancy
- Periodontal Care at Highlands Ranch Periodontics
- FAQs
Why Is Oral Hygiene Especially Important During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy places added demands on the body, and oral health becomes more vulnerable during this time. Changes in routine, increased fatigue, and diet shifts can make plaque control more difficult, while existing dental issues can progress faster if not closely monitored.
Pregnancy also increases the risk of pregnancy gingivitis, a form of gum inflammation triggered by hormonal changes and a heightened response to plaque. Without consistent care, this inflammation can progress into periodontal disease more quickly than usual.
How Hormonal Changes Affect the Gums
Estrogen and progesterone levels rise during pregnancy, which alters how gum tissue responds to plaque. Even minor buildup can lead to irritation and inflammation, often referred to as pregnancy gingivitis.
Common signs include:
- Gum tenderness
- Redness or swelling
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
These changes make routine home care and professional monitoring especially important throughout pregnancy.
Pregnancy and the Risks of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a chronic infection that damages the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. Pregnant patients have a higher risk of developing or worsening periodontal disease because inflamed tissue responds more aggressively to bacterial plaque.
Research has shown associations between untreated periodontal disease and complications such as:
- Preterm birth
- Low birth weight
- Preeclampsia
- Gestational diabetes
Controlling inflammation and reducing bacterial load supports healthier outcomes for both parent and baby.
Daily Oral Care During Pregnancy
Good home care plays a critical role in preventing inflammation and supporting gum health.
Helpful habits include:
- Regular dental checkups and cleanings
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once per day to remove plaque between the teeth
- Choose nutrient-rich foods that support gum and bone health
- Use pregnancy-safe antimicrobial rinses if recommended
- Rinse with water after morning sickness to neutralize acids
- Limit sugary foods and drinks to reduce the risk of decay
Consistent care helps maintain gum stability during each stage of pregnancy.
Periodontal Care at Highlands Ranch Periodontics
If gum inflammation or periodontal disease develops during pregnancy, professional care can help restore stability and protect long-term oral health. Highlands Ranch Periodontics provides individualized periodontal treatment with a focus on safety, comfort, and effective infection control.
To book an appointment at our Highlands Ranch location, call (303) 683-1144. For our Sloan’s Lake location, call (303) 683-1144.
FAQs
Digital dental X-rays use very low radiation, and they can be taken safely during pregnancy when needed for diagnosis. Your dental team will use protective shielding and follow pregnancy-specific precautions to limit exposure.
Gum disease can be safely treated during pregnancy when necessary. Non-surgical therapy such as scaling and root planing is commonly used to reduce inflammation and control infection, and it can be performed using local anesthesia, which is considered safe for pregnant patients.
Pregnancy gingivitis is gum inflammation that develops in response to hormonal changes during pregnancy. These changes make the gums more reactive to plaque, leading to symptoms such as swelling, tenderness, and bleeding.
Most routine dental treatments can be completed safely during pregnancy. The second trimester is typically the most comfortable time for non-urgent procedures, while urgent dental work can be addressed at any stage to prevent infection or worsening symptoms. Your dentist will adjust treatment plans and avoid sedation or elective procedures until after delivery.