Gingivitis Gravidarum | Gingivitis

Gingivitis Gravidarum

An inflammatory change in the oral mucosa, known as gingivitis gravidarum, occurs relatively frequently during pregnancy. The tissues of the expectant mother become more pliable during pregnancy, as do the gums. The gums swell, redden and tend to bleed more frequently.

Only individual areas, but also the entire gums can be affected. Due to the reduced saliva production during pregnancy and the shift of the pH-value into the acidic range, bacteria have an easier time. It is not uncommon for tissue proliferation to occur, the so-called pregnancy hyperplasia.

The tissue usually multiplies from the third month of pregnancy onwards and reaches its greatest extent in the eighth month. The excessively formed gums are very richly supplied with blood, which explains the strong tendency to bleed. About every fifth to seventh woman is affected by these symptoms during pregnancy.

However, only about 20% of those affected have a severe form of gingivitis gravidarum, while 80% suffer only from mild symptoms. The cause is the shift in the hormonal balance and especially the excessive production of estrogens and progesterone. An independent regression of gingivitis gravidarum is formed already in the ninth month of pregnancy and at the latest after birth.

Therapeutically, only thorough oral hygiene helps. In particularly pronounced cases it is necessary to clean the gums. Expecting mothers are advised to take vitamin C.

Gingivitis in pregnancy

Gingivitis gravidarum is the name given to gum inflammation during pregnancy by medical experts.

Is gingivitis an indication of HIV?

Especially in the early stages of HIV infection, changes in the oral cavity can occur, which can resemble gingivitis. Depressions of the oral mucosa often appear in the form of aphtae. Early symptoms of HIV infection are fungal infections in the mouth and throat and hair cell leukoplakia, which are localized whitish changes in the oral cavity. Acute, aggressive gingivitis (see above under Gingivitis ulcerosa) can also be an early symptom of HIV infection. If HIV infection is suspected, please consult your family doctor immediately.