Oral health is an important part of prenatal care, there are misconceptions about the relationship of oral health and this wonderful time.
We commonly hear ideas from patients that bleeding in the mouth is “normal” during pregnancy, that teeth “decalcify” or are lost naturally due to changes in the body, that pain cannot be avoided during dental procedures or that x-rays during the gestational period are harmful to the fetus and therefore dental care should be left until after pregnancy.
Experts warn that oral infections such as gingivitis and periodontitis can increase the risk of premature delivery, low birth weight or the dreaded preeclampsia. This is because, during pregnancy, women experience a series of hormonal changes that have repercussions throughout the body. One of the consequences is an increase in the permeability of the blood vessels, making it easier to suffer from gingivitis, bleeding gums and the entry of bacteria and pathogens. These pathogens can pass into the bloodstream and eventually reach the placenta.
Inflammation and infection of the placenta can lead to:
- Premature rupture of the membranes and uterine contraction which, in turn, can cause preterm labor, which is labor that occurs before 37 weeks gestation.
- Alteration of the growth and development of the placenta and the fetus, which can cause a deficit in the transport of nutrients to the placenta and low birth weight.
- An alteration in the development of placental blood vessels that can lead to preeclampsia.
* Periodontal disease is a pathology that affects the tissues that support the teeth. It is an infectious condition caused by bacteria present in the mouth (plaque or tartar). There are two types of periodontal diseases: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Prevention is best
Between 60% and 75% of pregnant women suffer from gingivitis aggravated by pregnancy, which usually worsens in the second trimester. However, if you go into your pregnancy with a healthy mouth and no inflammation, you have less than a 1% chance of developing gingivitis and will therefore be protecting your baby’s health.
Therefore, when planning your pregnancy, it never hurts to include a visit to the dentist. If you have not done so, do not worry, you can go in the second trimester, since at that time the delicate phase of formation of the fetal organs has already passed and if you have to do any treatment there is no danger to the baby. If necessary, you can even have an X-ray, always wearing an apron and a lead collar. In addition, for prevention, all very invasive treatments will be left for after giving birth.
Tips for taking care of your teeth during pregnancy:
- Use a toothbrush with soft filaments to take care of your mouth without aggression. Remember to change your toothbrush every 3 months or when the bristles open.
- Brush 3 times a day or after each meal.
- Complement oral hygiene with dental floss.
- Carry a toothbrush and toothpaste in your purse to take care of your mouth away from home.
- No tobacco or alcohol: for many reasons, you already know that their use is not advisable during pregnancy.
- Control cravings and do not abuse sweets: sugar is the great enemy of tooth decay.
- Don’t forget the dentist. Visit him regularly.
Debunking a belief:
A common belief is that the unborn baby takes calcium from the pregnant woman’s teeth causing tooth decay. Of course, this is not true. During pregnancy, women may be at greater risk of developing cavities because they eat more frequently to avoid nausea. Tooth decay is 100 percent preventable. However, if left untreated, tooth decay can cause tooth pain, infection and can lead to tooth loss.
What are the warning signs:
- Detecting gum problems is relatively simple as the main warning signs are gingival inflammation and bleeding.
- Mobility
- Discomfort when chewing
- Bad breath
- Recession or recession of the gums
- Sensitivity
- Discomfort when eating cold, hot or sweet foods may be a sign of tooth decay.
These changes can have the following repercussions as:
- Periodontal disease.
Beginning in the form of pregnancy gingivitis, it implies a hypersensitivity of the gums due to the increased blood flow. Thus, they become easily irritated and if left untreated tend to develop periodontitis, a more severe stage of periodontal disease (gum disease) that leads to tooth mobility and even tooth loss as a result of the destruction of the periodontal ligament. Both conditions can be visually detected by the patient by the presence of bleeding after physical stimuli (during brushing, flossing, etc.) and by the change from a pinkish tone of the gums in a healthy state to an intense red during periodontitis.
That is why it is of utmost importance to perform deep dental cleanings every 6 months in order to keep a control.
- Tooth mobility: which will appear if the periodontal disease worsens.
- Caries: Due to the ingestion of foods high in sugar throughout the day without paying attention to oral hygiene. It is important to remember that brushing should be done at least twice a day or after every meal.
Improving oral health during pregnancy not only improves the overall health of women, but also contributes to improving the health of their children.
Can women undergo dental treatment during pregnancy? Why?
Dental care for pregnant women is safe. It is much more risky for women who keep an infection in their mouth to avoid going to the dentist, as this can lead to premature delivery. All care is done considering the discomfort of pregnancy.
It is recommended that the treatment be performed in the second trimester, since in the first trimester many women have nausea and in the last trimester the increase in size of the abdomen makes it difficult to attend. Regardless of all this, it is very important that women come to a control and agree with their dentist the best time of care and the type of treatment they will receive, looking for the most appropriate and safe for them and their children.
At Makeover we can help you with your prenatal treatment and help you feel safe during your pregnancy with proper oral hygiene. If you need a consultation, do not hesitate to call us and get in touch with us, we will be happy to advise you at makeoverdentalstudio@hotmail.com or at our phone numbers MX (664)634-2023 / EU (619) 202-0423.