Gingivitis in pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction: pregnancy is a time of change for women. Changes occur throughout the body due to increased levels of the hormone progesterone. The gingiva is a key tissue for the action of steroid hormones, for this reason clinical changes in periodontal tissues are identified during periods of hormonal fluctuation. Objective: to systematize aspects of what gingivitis in pregnancy is, what its causes and consequences are, and how to treat it safely for the mother and baby. Method: bibliographic reviews were carried out where the manifestations of periodontal disease during pregnancy could be addressed and interpreted. 20 scientific articles from national and international journals in both Spanish and Portuguese from the last 5 years (2018-2022) were examined; Of the 20 articles, 5 were excluded, since they did not coincide with the topic investigated. Results: the effects of estrogen and progesterone on the periodontium have been the subject of attention by researchers over the years. For this reason, women's periodontal tissues are more susceptible to this pathology during pregnancy due to the gradual increase in the plasma level of progesterone and estrogen, which leads to an abnormal accumulation of bacteria, which generates this disease known as gingivitis. This entity has a prevalence that ranges between 35 to 100%. Final considerations: if gingivitis is not treated during the first two trimesters, bacteria can migrate into the bloodstream and settle in the placenta. The body, as a defense mechanism to save the baby, goes into labor, which causes premature birth. For this reason, it is essential to attend dental check-ups.