Pregnancy and Postpartum Dental Care and Gum Care Methods / Gangnam Leon Dental Clinic

Hello, this is Gangnam Leon Dental Clinic😊

Today, we’re going to learn about dental care for pregnant women.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause intense changes throughout the body.

You also need to be extra sensitive to your surroundings for the sake of the baby, and unlike before, you may find yourself worrying about whether even small things are okay.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Dental Care and Gum Care Methods / Gangnam Leon Dental Clinic

Why does pregnancy gingivitis happen?

When you become pregnant, you are greatly affected by hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

What is the relationship between hormones and pregnancy gingivitis?

✅ Increased hormones

The main role of estrogen is "cell proliferation," which helps the fetus in the womb grow well, and progesterone increases vascular permeability.

This also creates an environment where blood flow to the gums and bacterial growth increase, making gingivitis easier to develop.

When the gums are weakened, even regular brushing can easily cause bleeding, and because they are harder to manage, plaque and tartar can build up more easily.

✅ Morning sickness

Also, when vomiting occurs due to morning sickness, stomach acid makes the mouth acidic, creating an environment where teeth can erode and bacteria can form more easily, making cavities or pregnancy-related diseases more likely.

Therefore, if you are planning a pregnancy, it is good to get a checkup and scaling in advance, or to have a checkup during the second trimester, which is the most stable period, so you can prevent problems early.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Dental Care and Gum Care Methods / Gangnam Leon Dental Clinic

What are the early symptoms of gum disease?

If gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, a more advanced condition.

Gingivitis is a state in which bacteria have not yet infected the jawbone, but the following symptoms can appear.

This is the early stage at which gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, so early management is important! ✅ Gum bleeding ✅ Itchy gums ✅ Bad breath ✅ Pregnancy granuloma

What is pregnancy granuloma?

Here, pregnancy granuloma refers to one of the representative conditions that can occur with gingivitis, rarely seen in about 5% of women in early pregnancy.

It is a benign tumor that develops as a reddish growth around the teeth of the upper molars or front teeth, especially toward the palate, caused by irritation from plaque and tartar in areas with gingivitis.

It can occur when oral care is neglected due to morning sickness and other issues during pregnancy.

If pregnancy granuloma is left untreated, it may bleed every time it is touched and can be painful, so it is best to remove it quickly.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Dental Care and Gum Care Methods / Gangnam Leon Dental Clinic If it develops into periodontitis?

If gum disease worsens and develops into periodontitis, inflammation has spread to the teeth and jawbone.

In the beginning, it starts with a feeling of stiffness and looseness in the gums, then the jawbone gradually begins to dissolve, and you become conscious of it while eating and feel pain. ✅ Early periodontitis A stiff and loose feeling

✅ Mid-stage periodontitis Pain or discomfort when chewing food

✅ Late-stage periodontitis Severe gum swelling Loose teeth / gaps between teeth If the above symptoms appear, you should visit a dental clinic as soon as possible.

If gingivitis worsens into periodontitis, bacteria in the mouth can spread through the bloodstream, which may also have a negative effect on the fetus.

Oral care during pregnancy and after childbirth Dental care / Gum care How to prevent periodontal disease ✅ Regular dental checkups / scaling Get a checkup before pregnancy, receive appropriate treatment and scaling, or during pregnancy, follow the advice of an obstetrician and dentist and receive treatment within a safe range.

It is best to receive regular care about once every 6 months to 1 year, and if you have periodontal disease, a 3 to 6 month interval is recommended.

Since treatment before 10 weeks of pregnancy may affect fetal growth, from 10 weeks to 8 months, simple cavity and gum treatments are possible, so we recommend starting treatment only after充分 consultation with the medical staff before the appointment.

✅ Brushing your teeth

During pregnancy, oral care may be difficult due to morning sickness, but remove bacteria through regular brushing.

✅ Nutritious eating habits

During pregnancy, morning sickness and indigestion can make meals irregular, and it may be difficult to maintain proper eating habits.

Improve this by eating regular meals and a nutritious diet, with small meals taken frequently.

How to care for your gums

✅ Use a soft toothbrush and brush thoroughly Because the gums are weakened, use a soft microfiber toothbrush and minimize irritation by brushing your teeth carefully three times a day.

✅ Use dental floss and interdental brushes For spaces between teeth that are hard to reach with a toothbrush, use dental floss and interdental brushes for effective plaque removal. Choose the thinnest size for these as well, and gradually switch to the one that suits you best so you can clean thoroughly.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Dental Care and Gum Care Methods / Gangnam Leon Dental Clinic

After becoming pregnant, it is natural to worry about whether things like dental treatment could have a negative effect on the baby.

Relatively mild gingivitis may improve if you manage it well in daily life, but if the symptoms worsen, it is a good idea to visit the dentist.

Pregnant women can receive an additional 20% discount on dental services covered by the National Health Insurance, and can receive one insured scaling treatment per year. (*Please be sure to bring supporting documents such as your maternity notebook or pregnancy confirmation certificate!)

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us anytime!

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