Which hormones increase in pregnancy and are linked to gingival changes?

• A. Estrogen and progesterone
• B. Testosterone
• C. Thyroxine
• D. Growth hormone

Answer: (A)

During pregnancy, gums often become inflamed because two hormones rise together and affect the tissues directly. Estrogen increases gingival blood flow and vascular permeability, which leads to more redness, swelling, and a tendency to bleed. Progesterone amplifies the inflammatory reaction of the gingiva to dental plaque, making even normal amounts of plaque trigger stronger inflammation. Together, these hormonal changes explain the common pregnancy-related gingival changes.

The other hormones listed don’t drive this gingival response in pregnancy. Testosterone levels aren’t the main factor in pregnancy gingivitis, and while thyroid-related hormones and growth hormone can change for various reasons, they don’t produce the characteristic gingival inflammation seen with pregnancy.