Effects of Sex Hormones on the Gingiva in Pregnancy: A Review and Report of Two Cases

Pregnancy is a physiological state that brings a wide range of changes in a woman’s life, including a susceptibility to periodontal disease, probably due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. The metabolism and immunology of the body are modified by hormones like progesterone and estrogen as well as other local factors. These sex hormones may modify the oral mucosa and may lead to various periodontal diseases. The hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy may be associated with pregnancy gingivitis, gingival bleeding, and generalized or localized gingival enlargement in the presence of local factors that may accentuate the gingival response. This article reviews the condition and presents two cases.