Question about Bleeding gums

julielovestom

Hi Ladies,

I have always had bad gums that bleed easily, but try to really stay on top of it.  I had a cleaning about 4 months ago, and I have another one scheduled for next week to try to stay on top of this, but the bleeding has been really severe the past couple weeks, and it concerns me.  I brush twice a day, and floss every day, and just started flossing twice a day and using Listerine to try to help, but so far, no improvement.  Anyone else with this problem?  I'm hoping that my cleaning next week will help a lot, but in the meantime I'm nervous.  Thanks ladies!

 ETA: I will be 19 weeks tomorrow if that makes a difference

LovePink2850

I only get mine cleaned once/year. I've never heard of doing it every 6 months, in your case, every 4 months? Maybe you are doing too much? I don't know.

ac_in_dc

From what I've read this is a result of the pregnancy hormones and goes away after you deliver, right? I feel like you're doing everything you can, if you're nervous call your dentist and see if they can fit you in earlier.

PregnantPrincess

Mine were bleeding alot so I switched to Crest Pro Health,..it seems to be helping.

Mrsalt027

Hate to say it but I think it just comes with the pg territory, especially if you already had sensitive gums to begin with. Mine have started bleeding this month everytime I brush, morning and night. Sorry! It sucks.

aimeelv

I had terrible bleeding gums when I was pregnant with Zachary.  The hormones going through your body can make your gums bleed more than normal, so keep that in mind.  After I had Zachary things went back to normal.  It scared me too because I was bleeding SO MUCH every time I flossed.  Definitely talk to your dentist about it, but it's probably just the hormones!

StellaStellina

my gums never bled until i got pregnant. ?my toothbrush is permanently stained red even tho i get a new one all the time and i am constantly getting mouthfuls of blood. ?especially after i eat. ?it is NASTY. ?midwife says this is normal due to swelling of the gums during pregnancy. ?i am still going to go to the dentist soon but i am not worried.

mopsie

LovePink2850:

I only get mine cleaned once/year. I've never heard of doing it every 6 months, in your case, every 4 months? Maybe you are doing too much? I don't know.

Are you serious?  The American Dental Association recommends getting your teeth cleaned TWICE a year.  Maybe you should get a new dentist.

 Bleeding gums during pregnancy is totally normal - just make sure you keep flossing and brushing (gently) twice a day.  Everything should go back to normal after you have the baby. 

LovePink2850

mopsie:

LovePink2850:

I only get mine cleaned once/year. I've never heard of doing it every 6 months, in your case, every 4 months? Maybe you are doing too much? I don't know.

Are you serious?  The American Dental Association recommends getting your teeth cleaned TWICE a year.  Maybe you should get a new dentist.

 Bleeding gums during pregnancy is totally normal - just make sure you keep flossing and brushing (gently) twice a day.  Everything should go back to normal after you have the baby. 

Yes!! LOL! I have never heard doing it twice per year! Does insurance **usually** cover two cleanings in one year?

teamsweet

Do you have a good toothbrush?  My hygenist recommended a spin brush (like a medium priced one).  They also have prescription mouthwash for sensitive gums (you could ask your dentist)?  As long as your dentist isn't worried, I wouldn't be either.

mopsie

LovePink2850:

mopsie:

LovePink2850:

I only get mine cleaned once/year. I've never heard of doing it every 6 months, in your case, every 4 months? Maybe you are doing too much? I don't know.

Are you serious?  The American Dental Association recommends getting your teeth cleaned TWICE a year.  Maybe you should get a new dentist.

 Bleeding gums during pregnancy is totally normal - just make sure you keep flossing and brushing (gently) twice a day.  Everything should go back to normal after you have the baby. 

Yes!! LOL! I have never heard doing it twice per year! Does insurance **usually** cover two cleanings in one year?

Every single dental insurance our office accepts will pay for two cleanings a year. 

Skruffy

i've never heard of a dentist who didn't recommend getting them done every 6 months. weird.

 

It is possible for a baby to be affected by gum disease. Rare, but possible. Someone posted a link recently about a girl who had a stillborn and after research it was determined that the baby died from bacteria from her infected mouth. That is VERY RARE. I hope I didn't just scare the crap out of you. I'm just saying, floss floss floss. Share your concerns to your dentist when you go.  It is very normal for gums to bleed more when you are pregnant, like everyone else has mentioned.

LovePink2850

mopsie:

LovePink2850:

mopsie:

LovePink2850:

I only get mine cleaned once/year. I've never heard of doing it every 6 months, in your case, every 4 months? Maybe you are doing too much? I don't know.

Are you serious?  The American Dental Association recommends getting your teeth cleaned TWICE a year.  Maybe you should get a new dentist.

 Bleeding gums during pregnancy is totally normal - just make sure you keep flossing and brushing (gently) twice a day.  Everything should go back to normal after you have the baby. 

Yes!! LOL! I have never heard doing it twice per year! Does insurance **usually** cover two cleanings in one year?

Every single dental insurance our office accepts will pay for two cleanings a year. 

Holy mother effing crap. Looks like I need to get on the ball!

julielovestom

Thanks Ladies!  The reason I go so often is because I already had "bad" gums before I got pregnant, and the hygenist said to call and get in there in-between if I start to have problems again.  I'm sure the pregnancy is making it worse, but you hear the things that can happen like pre-term labor, etc... and I just want to make sure I'm on top of it as much as possible. 

mindy2137

It is normal to bleed more but definitely mention it to your dr.

 And I go to the dentist every 6 months, always have!  My insurance pays for it, so why not??

ZooBaby2010

It is absolutely normal to bleed more.  If you are prone to gingivitis prior to pregnancy, you have a greater chance of having prenatal gingivitis.  I saw my dentist on Saturday and I also have it.  He recommended brushing and flossing 3x per day if I can.  The more clean you keep your teeth and gums, the less opportunity for bacteria to build up which causes gingivitis.  He told me that if I breast feed, it will continue until I finish lactating.  It also can take up to a year for the hormones to completely level out and for your gums to go back to "normal". 

Don't stress too much.  Just brush and floss regularly and it should get better.  

msditz00

Just wanted to let you know, from a Dental Hygienist, that everything above is right.  Bleeding gums are more common during pregnancy.

Patients who have gingival diseases are 7 times more likely to have preterm labor, so it is very important to stay on top of things.  Going for the extra cleaning is the best thing you can do (besides all the home care you are already doing).

Also, Listerine contains alcohol - which can dry out the gums.  So switching to Crest Pro Health will be best for your gums (it is alcohol free).  The PP that mentioned a special mouth wash was probably talking about Chlorhexidine.  This is not safe for use during pregnancy.

And just a not so fun FYI - If you plan to breastfeed, there is an excellent chance your gums will continue to bleed.  Unfortunately it is normal.

Another not so fun FYI - there are such thing as "pregnancy tumors" that can show up on  your gums during pregnancy.  They are completely benign, but if you do see one you should have your dentist check it out to verify it is a pregnancy tumor and not a fistula (infection).