During pregnancy due to the changes in hormones especially progesterone which increases the blood flow to your gums will make the gums swollen and prone to bleeding. This condition is called ‘pregnancy gingivitis’ (inflammation of the gums during pregnancy). In addition to the progesterone, your body tends to be more susceptible to the bacteria further increasing your risk to gum infections.

If the infection in the gum is not controlled it could spread to your teeth, bone and other tissue. Some studies have shown that chronic gingivitis could predispose women to deliver prematurely. However, do not worry, with good dental care and hygiene most of the gingivitis is preventable and treatable.

Dental check up and preventative cleaning is recommended during pregnancy in view of the common occurrence of ‘pregnancy gingivitis.’ Necessary dental works such as cavity fillings to reduce the risk of infection should be done. However, other elective procedures such as teeth whitening could be postphoned till after delivery. Lidocaine (anaesthetic medication) that is used during dental procedure is a category B drug which is considered safe in pregnancy. Antibiotics also may be prescribed for you by your dentist. Do let your dentist know that you are pregnant.