Pregnancy Gingivitis

When you’re pregnant, some gum irritation is expected. We at the Miami Beach and North Miami Beach dental offices of Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk understand that this is upsetting for many patients and want to help them keep their gums as healthy as possible. We thought we would explain a little about why gingivitis during pregnancy is so common and how we can help patients to manage it.

Inflammation is a part of the immune system’s response to pathogens or injuries. It isolates the pathogens and makes the cell membranes more permeable to antibodies. But it also makes tissue sore and more prone to bleeding. During pregnancy, as well as during menarche and menopause, women’s bodies produce a large amount of the hormone progesterone. This hormone increases blood flow to the gums, making them more reactive to decay-causing bacteria and other irritants.

Pregnant women need to be especially attentive to their oral hygiene to prevent gingivitis from developing. But as long as they are brushing and flossing properly, pregnancy gingivitis will not usually progress into periodontitis. We can provide pregnant women with deep cleanings, removing plaque build-up from their gum pockets and reducing their risk of developing inflammation. We can also demonstrate proper flossing technique and recommend non-alcoholic mouthwash.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate from two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

Causes of Bleeding Gums

If you see blood in the sink when you spit out your toothpaste, don’t dismiss it as a regular part of maintaining oral hygiene. Gums should not bleed, and when they do, it’s usually a sign of gingivitis. Gum inflammation, as gingivitis is commonly called, is very common, but indicates a health problem.

Gingivitis is caused by excessive bacterial growth in the gum pockets. As bacteria feed on sugar, they produce tartar, which acids stick to. This irritates the gum tissue, causing it to bleed while being brushed. Of course, it’s also possible to brush too hard and bruise the gums, but brushing is the best way of preventing bacterial build-up as long as it’s done with a soft-bristled brush.

Anybody can get gingivitis (including people with artificial teeth), but there are some complicating factors which make it more likely. Pregnant women are at greater risk due to hormonal changes. Blood thinner medications also increase the likelihood of gingivitis, as does dry mouth, due to saliva being an important part of keeping bacterial growth under control. Smoking also causes gum inflammation, along with other oral health problems.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate from two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami-Dental.com, through a contact form.

What is Scaling and Root Planing Used For?

If you dread the dental drill but have been told that you have gingivitis, it’s important that you take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly. Root planing and scaling is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. It is done when gums have either started to pull away from the teeth or the roots of the teeth have tartar on them. Depending on the condition of the patient’s gums, the amount of tartar present, the depth of the pockets, and the progression of periodontitis, Dr. Ressler, Dr. Hirschl, or Dr. Lelchuk, may recommend scaling and root planing.

Scaling and root planing can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or a preventative measure and are commonly performed on cases of gingivitis and moderate to severe periodontal disease. The objective of this non-surgical procedure is to remove dental plaque and tartar, which causes gum inflammation. When scaling is performed, calculus and plaque that attaches to the tooth surfaces are removed. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. Root planing is when the root of the tooth is literally smoothed, which promotes healing and also helps prevent bacteria from forming in the future. If treatment is successful, you’ll protect your teeth, reduce bad breath and have a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

To learn more about scaling and root planing as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.