Teeth, gums and pregnancy... Alan?

**Indadhanu** · March 17th, 2008, 08:40 AM

I'm having a huge problem at the moment.

First of all, my wisdom teeth are coming through, it hurts even swallowing water, my gums at the back at cut, food gets stuck under them and I'm ready to rip them out myself with a pair of plyers.

Secondly, my gums bleed so much at the moment. I've never really had bleeding gums (maybe a teeny tiny bit if I was using a new toothbrush or something) so its all new. I know people say its normal, but how much is normal? It's too the point where I am brushing my teeth and (TMI!) when I spit its bright red. To me that seems excessive?

Lastly, my teeth are so sensitive! I can't eat chocolate without them hurting, it hurts right down my jaw. This happens with all my teeth, not just one or two. I can't even bite chocolate because my front teeth hurt. I can't even brush my teeth without pain as the toothpaste does the same thing as sugary sweet food.

I've always had such good teeth, I've never had one filling ever in my life (very proud

) but since being pregnant I am having nothing but trouble. I have the same brushing routine, haven't done much different (if anything, I've been doing better as I'm drinking only water and milk mostly, and hardly any soft drink or coffee or anything else).

Is all this a normal pregnancy thing? I try to talk to dr and mw about it, but am told tooth sensitivity and bleeding gums are normal during pregnancy. But its really starting to annoy me.

**Janie** · March 17th, 2008, 09:14 AM

Blame the pg hormones LOL! No seriously, you can certainly attribute to the bleeding gums to pg gingivitis. The only thing you can really do is to brush gently with a soft brush 2-3 times a day, and floss daily. Go to the dentist for a clean, and see what they say. You might need another clean before bubs is born.

Mmm, the sensitivity is a hard one to treat. Try using sensodyne toothpaste, or the colgate sensitive one. Avoid extremes of temperatures (which you're probably doing anyway) like icecream and really hot drinks etc.

Lastly, you need to see a dentist about your wisdom teeth! They might be erupting trouble-free, but it's best to get them checked if they're giving you that much hassle. You don't want to develop an infection, and if you do get one it needs to be treated quickly with antibiotics.

Hope that all makes sense, I'm in a bit of a rush! Fire away if you have anymore questions....and ring and make that appointment!!!!!!!

**Danni** · March 17th, 2008, 09:18 AM

I was just about to send Janie in here! lol

Janie: remember I pm'ed you about the same gingivitis prob and you told me to buy Savacol (i think thats the name of it?)

well it worked! and i have heaps left if you want it leasha? Its a mouthwash that kills all the germs and slows down the bleeding gums.

I was definitely spitting out bright red too!

**Janie** · March 17th, 2008, 09:28 AM

Yeah D, Savacol is great. Glad it helped you!

Leasha, you can get it in blue or green, get the green, as it's stronger. Use it every day for a week or two, and then try to reduce the amount you use it, maybe a couple of times a week. Very important to keep up the brushing and flossing because gingivitis is caused by the gums reacting to plaque on the teeth. It's just that the gums are much more sensitive to the bacteria during pg.

**Alan** · March 17th, 2008, 10:03 AM

Hi leasha
Some great advice posted here. The soft toothbrush and mouthwash are a good idea. You could also try rinsing your mouth out with salt water 3-4 times a day. It does not taste too good but if you can put up with the taste it will help. Also I would reccomend a checkup with your dentist. There is a disease called peridontitis which causes your gums to swell and your teeth to become loose. It is not all that common but it would be worth getting it checked out.