As are other parts of the body, the gums are affected by hormonal changes during pregnancy. An oral cleaning or good brushing are essential to prevent unnecessary oral health risks. 

“Educational hygiene treatment is very important"
Beatriz Lorza. Dental Hygienist. Zaragoza 

“In our office we are aware of the importance of educating and informing our pregnant patients on the various dental hygiene-related topics. When our patients are 3 months pregnant, we provide them with an educational treatment emphasizing the importance of hygiene and bleeding gums. After six or seven months, we apply SPT (supportive periodontal therapy) in which we again stress hygiene and we let patients know that it is not so rare to have bleeding gums during pregnancy". 

"Hormonal changes are the primary cause of gum disease"
Teresa Díaz. Dentist. Lanzarote 

"Hormonal changes in pregnancy cause gums to be more sensitive to dental plaque, which, in turn, is one of the main causes of gum disease. Also, during pregnancy, the risk for dental caries increases. I recommend thorough brushing three times a day, a healthy diet rich in calcium and regular visits to the dentist during pregnancy". 

“Pregnant patients must be made aware that their condition affects their oral health"
Alberto Romero. Dentist. Ourense. 

"Pregnant patients must be made aware that the hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy affect their oral health. In order to avoid the onset of problems like pregnancy granulomas or enamel erosions, I advise my patients to maximise their oral hygiene using fluoride toothpaste or interdental brushes; to eat a balanced diet, avoiding sugary foods; and to visit the dentist at least once during the pregnancy". 

“Rinsing is essential”
Rosa Lamela. Dental Hygienist. Pontevedra 

"The first thing I do when they come in the office is make them rinse. I use VITIS gingival, as it is the best for preventing inflammation. It is a given that during pregnancy gums bleed and become inflamed, and VITIS gingival is the best prevention for these. We also have a protocol including a quarterly exam where we perform a cleaning and apply concentrated fluoride. We again apply fluoride when the pregnancy has come to term”. 

“Healthy diet and bacterial plaque control”
Reyes Suárez. Dental Hygienist. Gran Canaria 

“Caries and gingivitis are two oral diseases that are particularly important in pregnant patients due to physiological changes during pregnancy. Therefore, I recommend a healthy diet, hygiene measures for controlling bacterial plaque and lastly, when needed, in the second quarter, periodontal scaling to remove existing calculus". 

"Check-ups are necessary for detecting problems"
Arancha Higaldo. Dental Hygienist. Madrid 

“It is important to visit the dentist more frequently in order to detect any gum-related problems that may arise during pregnancy, which may be connected to a higher risk for pre-term labour. Hygiene is the key, especially in interdental spaces, for reducing plaque levels, and therefore inflammation and bleeding". 

"A quality oral health exam is important"
Cristina Fernández. Dental Hygienist. Barcelona 

“Hormones in pregnancy cause a series of oral changes, as well as greater blood flow, causing swelling, sensitivity and discomfort in the oral cavity. My advice: a quality oral health exam, good brushing after every meal, flossing and use of mouthwash (morning and night)". 

“A healthy diet and thorough control are important"
Katia Merino. Dental Hygienist. Oviedo 

“I apply dual hygiene care to pregnant patients: at the beginning of the pregnancy, a complete cleaning and after the eighth month, special care due to hormonal imbalance. Pregnancy can cause inflammation or dryness. A healthy diet and thorough oral hygiene control are important".