Dental health is an important part of your overall health. It is also an important part of your pre-natal care. Pregnancy increases the risk of certain dental health problems that may lead to pregnancy complications. For e.g some studies show a link between gum disease and premature birth. Premature birth is birth that happens too early ,before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Taking good care of your mouth ,teeth and gums during pregnancy can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
During pregnancy increased level of certain hormones like progesterone and estrogen increase your risk for certain health problems. Your eating habits may change. You may have a craving for more of certain food during pregnancy than your did before you were pregnant. Kinds of food you eat can affect your dental health. You may be brushing and flossing your teeth less than you did before you got pregnant because your gums are tender or you are more tired or you are more nauseated than usual . Nausea means feeling sick in the stomach. All these changes increase your risk for certain dental problems during pregnancy like:
1)Increase in cavities
2)Gingivitis: if untreated it can lead to serious gum disease. 60 to 70% of pregnant women present gingivitis Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include ; Redness and swelling Tenderness in the gums Shiny looking gums Bleeding of the gums even when you brush your teeth gently.
3)Periodontal Disease : Untreated gingivitis subsequently leads to periodontal disease. This causes serious infection in the gums and problems with the bone that supports the teeth. Your teeth get loose and they may have to be extracted.
4)Pregnancy tumors: (also called pyogenic granuloma) These tumors are not cancerous. They are lumps that form on the gums usually between teeth . They look red and raw and bleed easily. They can form if you have too much plaque/tartar on teeth. These tumors go away on their own after giving birth. 5)Tooth erosion: If you have been vomiting from morning sickness your teeth may be exposed to too much stomach acid. This acid harms the enamel of your teeth.
To prevent dental problems during pregnancy :
1)Get regular dental checkups before and during pregnancy .
2)At your checkup tell your dentist about any medicines you take. This includes prescription medicines, over the counter medicines, supplements and herbal products.
3)Regular teeth cleaning will help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
4)If your dentist wants to take an x-ray make sure he/ she knows that you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
5) Treatments that are safe during pregnancy include medicines like pain relievers and antibiotics to treat infection. Your dentist can give you medicine that is safe for you and your baby during pregnancy. If your dentist prescribes you medicine it is advisable to always tell your physician(prenatal care provider) before taking any medicine.
6) Local anesthesia is medicine that lessens or prevents pain. This is safe to use during pregnancy.
7)You can have dental treatment anytime during pregnancy but if it is not an emergency, try to schedule it in the second trimester i.e.14th week to 20th week.
General care during pregnancy :
• Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss once a day.
• Visit your dentist for a check up every 6 months.
• Limit sugary food.
• Eat healthy food as baby’s teeth start developing in between 3rd and 6th month of pregnancy.
• Nutrients like Calcium, proteins, Phosphorus, Vitamin A,C,D help your baby’s teeth to grow healthy.
Specially during pregnancy it is imperative for the dentist and patient to discuss and to chalk out a safe and effective treatment plan that is both- beneficial to the mother and safe for the fetus.
-DR. SIENA PACHECO
(Private practioner)