Bleeding gums are so common during pregnancy that many people believe this is normal.

It isn't.

Pregnancy gingivitis is the same as any other gingivitis. Gums become red, swollen and tender because they are being

irritated and damaged by bacterial plaque on the teeth. Elevated hormone levels make your body REACT more strongly to

this irritation when you are pregnant - but they do not CAUSE it.

The answer, as with most things dental, is to practise meticulous oral hygiene. Brush thoroughly - this is likely to increase

the bleeding in the short term because the sensitized gums react to contact from the brush - but, unless you remove the

plaque that is causing the problem, the situation will not improve. You must also clean between your teeth using dental

floss or interdental brushes if you have sufficient space to get them in. Your dentist or hygienist will advise you and devise

a programme tailored to your specific needs.

It is vital that you visit your dentist regularly (whether or not you are pregnant) and respond quickly to any bleeding

because periodontal problems (i.e. problems of the structures that support the teeth) are progressive. This means that they

ALWAYS leave you in a worse state than you were in before you had a problem. The damage may progress quickly or slowly

- but it is permanent. Nip it in the bud immediately you notice a problem. Time is a bastard that takes everything away; it

doesn't need our compliance through neglect, especially when we're in the process of bringing new life into the world.

If you would like more dental advice, you can contact me through my website:

http://www.dentistintown.co.uk