Inflamed gums are a nuisance while brushing your teeth because they are tender and tend to bleed. But if you knew that it could be an early sign of pregnancy, would you give them a little more attention? Swollen gums are one of the early side effects of hormonal changes that come with pregnancy. If they are puffy, easy to bleed after flossing, and your menstrual cycle is late; take a pregnancy test. Other causes to look out for are:
*Malnutrition- Can cause bleeding gums because the body lacks all the vitamins necessary to keep the gums healthy and to keep foreign bacteria in the mouth at bay. In particular, Vitamin C and Vitamin K play a key role in oral health.
*Gingivitis- It is a must that you regularly clean your mouth after having food. Otherwise the food particles that are left in the mouth will form a thin layer of bacteria inside the mouth surrounding the tooth and will cause bacterial infection in the gums. This could cause your gums to become weak and swollen immediately.
*Infection – If you have an infected tooth or gum line, bleeding can persist. Loose teeth due to infection or severe cavities can cause bleeding gums as well.
If you have any further questions feel free to contact Houston OBGYN Dr. Lisa Otey for more information or an appointment.
If you want to start at the beginning of the series, go here.
For more on related topics check out our Women’s Health Blog.
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