Pregnancy
gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum tissue that is characterized by red,
puffy, or tender gums that tend to bleed when pressure is applied, especially
during toothbrushing. The hormonal changes (increases in estrogen and progesterone)
that occur during pregnancy make the gums more sensitive to accumulated plaque,
sometimes resulting in gingivitis.
Pregnancy gingivitis
can be prevented or controlled by
• Cleaning the mouth
daily or periodically with a warm saltwater rinse (1 teaspoon salt to 1 cup
water).
• Brushing with fluoridated toothpaste at least twice
per day and flossing once per day.
• Eating healthy foods such
as fruit, vegetables, grain products (especially whole grain), and dairy products.
• Drinking
water throughout the day, especially between meals and snacks.
• Quitting
smoking (for those who smoke cigarettes).
• Having at least
one dental visit during pregnancy, during which the teeth are cleaned.
• Attending
dental visits according to a schedule recommended by the dentist, based
on needs or susceptibility to disease.
Performance Standards
1304.40(c)(1)(ii)
1304.41(a)(2)(i)
References
Academy of General Dentistry. 2006. Pregnancy and Gingivitis. Chicago, IL:
Academy of General Dentistry. http://www.agd.org/consumer/topics/pregnancy_gingivitis.asp.
American
Pregnancy Association. Pregnancy and Swollen Gums (Also Known as Pregnancy
Gingivitis). Irving, TX: American Pregnancy Association. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/swollengums.html.
Casamassimo
P, Holt K, eds. 2004. Bright Futures in Practice: Oral Health—Pocket Guide.
Washington, DC: National Maternal and Child Health Oral Health Resource
Center. http://www.mchoralhealth.org/PDFs/BFOHPocketGuide.pdf.
