Are bleeding gums during pregnancy normal? Would that stop after the pregnancy?
Gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, is very common during the pregnancy, usually starts at the end of the first trimester and continues until baby is delivered. During the second semester a small overgrowth may appear on the gums in the areas where more plaque or food gets trapped. Pregnancy gingivitis comes with red, puffy and sometimes tender gums that tend to bleed when you brush. During the pregnancy a hormone called progesterone is high. That combined with plaque collection on the teeth attracts bacteria and creates inflammation. That is why cleaning appointments and maintaining great oral hygiene is essential during pregnancy.
In rare situations if the gingivitis is not treated pregnant women may develop more advanced gum disease and create higher risk for preterm birth and low birth weight.
Normally this super sensitivity to bacterial will decrease after the progesterone level lowers down after pregnancy and gums health should restore.
Do pregnant women need to eat more calcium?
You need a balance food: vitamins, calcium, and other minerals are important for the formation of the baby teeth. By the time baby is born primary teeth are already developed inside the little jaws.
The calcium does not come from the mothers teeth. This is a myth. It comes from the mother’s diet, one more reason to maintain healthy and balance diet.
Do pregnant women need more fluoride during pregnancy?
While fluoride is known to prevent tooth decay, the benefits of prenatal fluoride supplementation remains uncertain and quite controversial. The permanent teeth are developed after birth so fluoride taken during pregnancy will not affect them at all. Some research has medical concerns that fluoride may have negative consequences on fetus’ developing brains if taken at very high concentrations.
Fluoride in ADA approved toothpaste is insignificant small to create negative effect on the baby and is still the best way for the mother to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent cavities during the pregnancy.