How does pregnancy affect oral health?
It is a false belief that calcium will be lost from the mother’s teeth during pregnancy and that the mother will lose a tooth in every pregnancy. However, it is also true that there are some changes in oral health during pregnancy. The most important change is the increase in estrogen and progesterone hormone levels, which is associated with increased plaque buildup on the teeth.
If plaque is not removed, it can cause gingivitis. This condition is called “pregnancy gingivitis”. The gums are red, increased in volume, tender and bleeding. This condition affects the majority of pregnant women in the second trimester with varying severity. If gingivitis is already present, it can increase in severity during pregnancy and can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. Pregnant women are also at risk of developing “pregnancy tumors”. These are inflammatory lesions caused by irritation of gingival growths. They are usually left alone but should be removed by the dentist if they cause discomfort or interfere with chewing, brushing and other oral care.
How can these problems be prevented?
Gingivitis can be prevented by effective care and cleaning of the teeth. Teeth should be rinsed at least twice a day and, if possible, after every meal. All teeth should also be cleaned with dental floss every day. If brushing in the morning is uncomfortable, the mouth should be rinsed with water or anti-plaque and fluoride mouthwash. A balanced diet and vitamin C and B12 supplements are also important for maintaining oral health. Visiting the dentist more frequently also prevents the development of gingivitis by ensuring effective plaque control. Plaque control also reduces gingival irritation and the risk of pregnancy tumors.
When should you go to the dentist?
If pregnancy is planned or suspected, the dentist should be visited. Cleaning is appropriate during the first 3 months. The dentist will prepare a treatment schedule for the rest of the pregnancy. In the second trimester, cleaning may be recommended again after evaluating the changes in the oral tissues and the effectiveness of oral care. Depending on the situation, another appointment may be made in the third trimester, but all these sessions should be as short as possible.
Are there any procedures that should not be performed during pregnancy?
Generally, non-urgent procedures can also be performed during pregnancy. However, the best time for any dental treatment is between the 4th and 6th months. In emergency cases accompanied by severe pain, treatment can be performed at any time during pregnancy. In cases requiring anesthesia and medication, the gynecologist should be contacted. Procedures that can be postponed should be left until after delivery.
Are dental x-rays harmful during pregnancy? Although the amount of radiation given in X-rays taken in dentistry is very low and not very close to the abdomen, a lead apron must be used to prevent the developing baby from receiving radiation.
Do teeth decay more quickly during pregnancy?
As mentioned earlier, the belief that “calcium is withdrawn from the mother’s teeth during pregnancy and therefore each baby will cause the mother to lose a tooth” is absolutely untrue. The disruption of the balance in the body during pregnancy creates a favorable environment for rapid tooth decay. The reasons why teeth decay more quickly during this period are as follows; During the period when the baby is feeding, excessive desire for sweets and junk food appears and tooth brushing is neglected after eating them. After the vomiting seen in the first months, the mother may not pay enough attention to oral care. With the effect of pregnancy hormones (estrogen, progertron), the gums bleed more quickly and the mother avoids brushing her teeth. For these reasons, it is necessary to pay more attention to dental health during this period.
Are there any precautions to be taken for the baby’s dental health?
The baby’s tooth development begins in the womb. During this period, the mother should pay attention to a balanced diet for both her own health and her baby’s tooth development. For dental health, foods rich in protein, vitamin A (meat, milk, eggs, yellow vegetables and fruits), vitamin C (citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries), vitamin D (meat, milk, eggs, fish) and calcium (milk and dairy products, green leafy vegetables) should be taken sufficiently. In addition, unconscious use of medication should be avoided. In addition to the dental health of the baby, the medicines used may also negatively affect the general body development. Being knowledgeable about your baby’s dental health is the first step in ensuring that your child has healthy teeth for life. Learn more about dental care and nutrition for babies.
“I took antibiotics while I was pregnant” will this affect my baby’s teeth?
We have already mentioned that unconscious use of medication should be avoided during this period. However, it is wrong to think that every antibiotic used causes staining of the baby’s teeth. The group of antibiotics that cause tooth discoloration are “tetracyclines”. Other antibiotics have not been proven to cause staining
