Pregnancy gingivitis
When your body becomes pregnant, it surges with hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. These hormones exaggerate the way gum tissues react to plaque and can sometimes lead to what’s known as “pregnancy gingivitis”. This simply means that, as with regular gingivitis, the gums will be more red, swollen, tender, and likely to bleed. Pregnancy gingivitis affects most pregnant woman at some point, and generally surfaces as early as the second month. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease.
Oral pregnancy tumors
Pregnant women are also at risk for developing pregnancy tumors, or non-cancerous growths that develop when the gums are swollen and irritated. Generally, pregnancy tumors can be left alone, as they will shrink after the baby’s birth—but be sure to consult with a dentist before deciding to ignore the issue. If the tumor interferes with chewing, brushing, or other oral hygiene practices, your dentist may decide to remove it.