In 25 years of our dental practice, we have to treat lots of pregnant patients. Most of them report with severe pain…… lots of negligence about oral health.Its sad to see them struggling in dual fields… pregnancy related problems & dental pain.
Pregnancy is a beautiful phase of life because it gives a woman the joy & fulfilment which comes from bringing a new life into the world. It is the most powerful creation to have life growing inside you.
Once a woman gets pregnant, her body goes through a lot of changes ....Emotional, Harmonal, Body changes……
Pregnancy can lead to dental problems in some women including gum disease and increased risk of tooth decay .During pregnancy, your increased hormones can affect your body response to plaque( the layer of germs on your teeth )
Pre Pregnancy dental health : You are less likely to have dental problems during pregnancy if you already have good oral hygiene habits which includes brushing teeth twice a day...mainly night brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing between teeth, regular dental checkup...twice in a year.
If you are planning on getting pregnant, you must plan dental checkup and have necessary dental treatment as per dentist suggestion.
Causes of dental Health problems :
It includes…
1. Gum diseases
2. Vomiting
3. Craving for sugary food
1. Gum disease :
Hormones associated with pregnancy causes gum problems in some women
It includes
Gum Inflammation : Most likely to occur in second trimester.Symptoms include swelling of gums , bleeding particularly during brushing and flossing
Pregnancy Epulis :It is localised enlargement of gums that bleed easily.
Untreated Periodontal disease : may worsen during pregnancy ,may lead to loss of teeth.
2. Vomiting :
Vomiting associated with morning sickness can coat your teeth with Strong stomach acid, which damage teeth enamel & increases chances of tooth decay.
3. Food cravings :
Some women experience unusual food cravings ,may have increase in regular desire of sugary food ,sour food , may increase risk of tooth decay.
What Precaution should we take during Pregnancy :
We must understand the importance of pre pregnancy dental check up and suggested dental treatments.
To avoid gum problems & tooth decay during pregnancy, certain precautions should be taken as we do in our normal life like ...Brushing twice a day...brushing at night, floss between teeth, Use of fluoridated toothpaste, Use of soft bristle brush.
After vomiting,...rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water, avoid brushing immediately after vomiting as vigorous brushing may scratch teeth enamel, Use of fluoridated mouthwash..if you don't have it, apply fluoridated toothpaste to teeth with finger & rinse mouth with water.
Try to have less sugary food, sour food . Have healthy options like fruits. Rinse your mouth after food.
Increase calcium intake as it will protect your bone and meet nutritional requirements of your baby . Some dietary calcium resources are ….milk, cheese,curd
Increase vitamin D : Vitamin D help your body to utilize calcium.Good dietary sources are cheese,eggs,fatty fish like salmon
Dental Treatment can be done at any time during pregnancy. However the best time to do elective dental treatment during pregnancy is second trimester i.e after first three months have completed.But keep in mind that if you have a dental infection or swelling , you might need immediate treatment.We can safely do dental treatment like oral prophylaxis,root canal treatment,extractions. Yes, it is safe to get an X-ray during pregnancy. Although radiation from dental x-ray is extremely low, your dentist will cover you with a lead apron that even minimizes exposure to your abdomen.
With a proper oral hygiene at home ,and professional help from your dentist,your teeth should remain healthy throughout pregnancy.