Q. Since I've been pregnant, my gums have been bleeding and puffy. I haven't changed my dental habits, so why is this happening, and how can I stop it?

A. Fluctuating hormone levels during pregnancy can wreak havoc on your body, and your mouth is no exception. The most likely result: A case of pregnancy gingivitis. "Pregnant women's gums have an increased sensitivity to plaque, which leaves them red, swollen, and prone to bleeding," says Marjorie Jeffcoat, D.M.D., professor of periodontics at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, in Birmingham.

Researchers aren't sure why only some women suffer from pregnancy gingivitis. But if you're among the 35 percent who do, it's important that you keep the condition under control. If left unattended, pregnancy gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a bacterial disease that can cause gum and bone erosion, which may lead to loose teeth. In the worst case, the infection can spread to the jawbone and result in tooth loss. A severe gum infection can also endanger your baby's health. Recent studies show that the condition increases the chances that women will deliver their babies prematurely, Jeffcoat says.

To keep gingivitis from getting worse, brush your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes each time, and floss daily. Your dentist may also recommend using a toothpaste that contains Triclosan, an antibacterial ingredient that helps protect your gums. And try to have your teeth professionally cleaned every three to six months. More frequent cleanings will help prevent plaque build-up.

If you have a serious case of gingivitis and stepped-up tooth care isn't providing relief, ask your dentist for additional treatment suggestions, such as prescription mouthwash. Fortunately, the condition usually resolves itself after the baby is born and your hormones return to normal. VBAC Sources: Bruce Flamm, M.D., Area Research Chairman at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Riverside, CA; Michael McMahon, M.D., Assistant Professor of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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