How Does Pregnancy Affect Dental Health

A popular old wives’ tale holds that a woman loses a tooth for every child she gives birth to. But, is it really true? Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to Gum Disease or Periodontitis, which is a possible risk factor for tooth loss.

Dental Check up Before Pregnancy

Studies have shown that a woman, who develops severe mouth infection and suffers from bleeding gums during pregnancy, has a greater chance of giving birth to a premature baby unless the oral condition is managed effectively.

Therefore before planning a pregnancy, a woman with teeth and mouth diseases should opt for a dental check-up and suitable treatment so as to ward off the risk of developing oral diseases and their sequels like preterm labor, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

Preventive dental care and annual checkups during pregnancy are safe and should invariably be recommended. It can keep at bay the risk of developing dental problems during pregnancy.

Before planning a pregnancy, prophylactic treatment such as dental fillings, scaling, etc. should be done to fend off the chance of developing dental problems.

Taking Care of Your Oral Health During Pregnancy

Good oral hygiene practices like brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing your teeth daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for routine dental checkups will go a long way in warding off dental problems.

If you plan to do a dental procedure during pregnancy second-trimester is ideal for it.

While getting the treatment done, make sure that a pregnant woman sits straight on her back using proper back support and should avoid sitting cross-legged for more than 30 minutes.

Once a woman reaches the third trimester, it may be very difficult to lie on her back for an extended period of time. So, postpone all dental procedures except those that are exigent in nature until after childbirth.

Which Dental Treatment Is Advisable During Pregnancy

All elective dental treatment should be postponed. Emergency Dental procedures for relieving pain and infection, such as Root canal treatment or Tooth extraction can be done safely during pregnancy.

Elective treatment, such as teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures along with asymptomatic problems should be postponed until after childbirth.

A pregnant woman should seek advice from an Obstetrician, before planning dental treatment. If you tell your dentist the details of medications and prenatal vitamins prescribed by your obstetrician, the dental treatment plan would be devised based on the information provided.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Treatment In Pregnancy.

What Medications Should Be Used In Dental Treatment During Pregnancy?

Currently, there are conflicting reports about the possible adverse effects of medications used in dental treatment during pregnancy on the developing baby. Lignocaine is the most common local anesthetic that dentists use. If a dental procedure is needed the amount of anesthesia administered should be as little as possible but sufficient enough to make you feel comfortable. Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, Cephalosporin, and  Clindamycin are safe to use after a dental procedure during pregnancy. Avoid the use of tetracycline, as it may cause discoloration of the teeth and other effects.

Painkillers or Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin are not safe during pregnancy. For severe pain, it is safe to use paracetamol as the painkiller or as advised by dentist

Are Dental X rays Safe During Pregnancy?

Studies have shown that the dose of radiation in dental x rays especially small IOPA is so low that there is virtually no risk to the developing baby. For safety, the use of lead apron and thyroid-collar is advisable which adds to extra safety to developing foetus.

Why Gums Are Swollen During Pregnancy?

Swollen or bleeding gums during pregnancy are also known as Pregnancy gingivitis and are more common in the second or third month of the pregnancy. About half of the pregnant women experience gum problems due to increased levels of Estrogen and Progesterone. Pregnancy gingivitis typically peaks during the third trimester.

Women who have gum diseases before pregnancy are more prone to increase in conditions during pregnancy. Arise in hormone levels during pregnancy can cause the gums to swell and bleed.

How To Cope With Morning Sickness?

If morning sickness keeps you from brushing your teeth, change the bland-tasting toothpaste during pregnancy, or ask your dentist to recommend a suitable one for you.

How To Prevent Tooth Decay Decay During Pregnancy?

Brush your teeth along the gum line twice a day with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Preventive dental treatment will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and reducing the risk for premature birth. Tooth decay may be a risk factor for premature birth but not necessarily a cause of premature birth

What Should I Eat For My Teeth and Baby During Pregnancy?

Avoid the intake of sugary snacks. Sweet cravings are common during pregnancy. The more frequently you ingest sugary food or snacks, not only the greater your chance of developing tooth decay but also it may lead to gestational diabetes. Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Your baby’s teeth begin to develop about 3 months into the pregnancy. Dairy products such as milk and milk products are a good source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for babies developing teeth, gums, and bones.

Do I Need To Increase My Calcium Intake During Pregnancy?

Increase the daily intake of calcium during pregnancy. A sufficient amount of calcium can protect your bone mass and meet the nutritional needs of your developing fetus. Food rich in calcium includes milk, cheese, unsweetened yogurt, calcium-fortified soy milk, and fish such as salmon and eggs.

Pregnancy may interfere with calcium absorption and increase the production of hormones that affect oral health. Profound biological and behavioral changes during pregnancy and childbirth can precipitate tooth loss

• Increase the daily intake of calcium.
• Avoiding the ingestion of sugary foodstuffs and drinks.
• Practicing healthy oral regimens,
• Visiting your dentist for a regular dental checkup will go a long way in warding off periodontal diseases and tooth loss.