Dental Care during Pregnancy

05.02.2008 by Dr John Anne in Health Care

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Pregnancy is a time of great change in the body, including the mouth. Shifting hormones and increased plaque production can lead to inflammation, bleeding and periodontal disease, particularly if oral health is poor. Harmful bacteria from oral infection can then affect the health of the growing baby and cause premature labour, low birth weight or other maternal problems.

Pregnancy dental care to prevent oral infections, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, which might affect the baby. Most dentists recommend that you delay major dental treatments until after your baby is born, however. If your pregnancy isn’t obviously showing, be sure you inform your dentist when you arrive for your appointment, since some procedures or medications may be harmful to your unborn child.

If your gums start swelling and bleeding, you might be suffering from “pregnancy gingivitis”; in which case, you need to consult your dentist. This happens due to hormonal changes; and happens anytime between the 2nd and the 8th month of pregnancy. If you have morning sickness, then brush your teeth soon after you vomit. Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Pregnancy is a time like no other — you’re either too ill or too tired to get through your day, or you’re overwhelmed with preparations ranging from choosing a crib to figuring out what you can possibly wear to that upcoming wedding. Who has time for boring things like cleaning teeth? It’s no wonder that a lot of many pregnant women let their regular appointments slide — many don’t visit the dentist even if they’re having problems. But new evidence shows that it may be more important than ever to keep that date with your dental hygienist — that dental health, in fact, can affect your pregnancy.

Minor dental work, such as fillings and simple extractions, may be done during pregnancy; however, patients are advised to avoid anesthetics.

Major dental work, to include all dental surgery, should be postponed until after the pregnancy because of the need to use anesthetics. Anesthetics may affect the developing fetus and the need to use analgesics may also affect the fetus.

Gum disease poses a serious risk to the health of your child. Chronic gum disease is an infection that can release bacteria into the mother’s bloodstream. This is especially true during the second trimester of pregnancy. Chronic gum disease can increase the risk of having a preterm birth, and preterm delivery can cause serious problems for your child.
Taking care of your teeth during pregnancy is important. You should brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss at least once a day. A balanced and healthy diet is also important. So gum disease treatment is important.

The majority of dentists believe that major dental treatments should be done after giving birth. This is due to the complications that can occur in surgery or in the antibiotics given during treatment. If you have an appointment for the dentist, alert him of your condition! It is very important that he knows as he will treat you differently.

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