Sensitive or swollen gums in pregnancy? Here’s what you need to know
If your oral health is affected during pregnancy, there are some things you can try to ease the symptoms, oral health experts at Zendium offer these handy tips
Whether it’s food cravings, morning sickness, or some of the other symptoms commonly associated with pregnancy, there’s no doubt there’s a lot going on for your body in these nine months. Oral health can also be affected by pregnancy and some women experience swollen or sensitive gums during this time.
Why are my gums sensitive during pregnancy?
One of the major reasons for changes in oral health during pregnancy is hormonal changes in your body, which can affect your gums making them more sensitive to plaque and this can show itself as swollen or sensitive gums. It is also thought that pregnancy might disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your mouth, which could also have an impact on the health of your gums.
Dental care tips for pregnant women
To avoid any discomfort or possible long-term issues as a result of sensitive gums during pregnancy, there are several things you can do to help your oral health in pregnancy. Below are a few dental tips from oral health experts, Zendium on how to look after sensitive or swollen gums.
Sensitive or swollen gums can be uncomfortable during pregnancy and you may notice this develops into bleeding gums. If you notice any changes, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a check-up, and they will be able to assess the issue and give you advice on the best way to deal with it.
Remember to take steps to ensure good oral hygiene when you are pregnant.
Brush regularly
During pregnancy, your sense of smell and taste may be heightened. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Zendium toothpaste has a mild taste and is clinically proven to improve gum health*. It is also an SLS free toothpaste (SLS stands for sodium lauryl sulfate – a chemical compound that functions as a foaming agent in many personal care products. It's largely responsible for the foam created in toothpastes, shampoos) to respect the delicate tissues in your mouth and is clinically proven to be 4 times kinder than a regular toothpaste with SLS**. A sensitive toothbrush can also be a good addition to your oral hygiene routine, as its extra-soft bristles are designed to be gentle on your gums.
Floss
It’s also important to floss regularly, as this helps remove any food stuck between your teeth that can cause plaque or make your gums more sensitive or irritated. Try to floss once a day.
Use mouthwash
Mouthwash can help freshen your breath, and an alcohol-free mouthwash such as Zendium mouthwash can make your mouth feel less dry too, while helping prevent the causes of gum problems.
Quit smoking
If you are a smoker, now is a really key time to try and finally kick the habit. In addition to the risks that smoking can pose to you and your baby, smoking can also be detrimental to your oral health, and can add to any gum problems.
During pregnancy, it is more important than ever to stick to a good daily oral hygiene routine.
*Refers to a 13 week gum health clinical study, China 2019 (n=109)
** Compared to a toothpaste with SLS, 30 mins after use