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Maternity Dental Care
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Maternity dental check up-- Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause many
pregnant women to have oral and dental problems that they didn't have before they
became pregnant. We provide oral care considering the safety of mother and fetus.
More aggressive treatments are postponed until after delivery.In pregnancy the gum
tissue is more sensitive to irritation. They swell, become inflamed, turn red, bleed
and are often painful. These reactions are to the plaque surrounding the teeth.
Pregnant women should have three or at least two dental cleanings during the time
that women are pregnant. Home care should be excellent. Of course, we prefer to
avoid tooth extraction during pregnancy. However, the best interests of the child
must be thought of too. A mother in constant pain, while carrying a child, is stressing
out her body. This is not healthy for the child. Modern tooth extraction procedures
are very gentle and many patients are not even aware that their tooth has been removed.
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Between the second and eighth month, your gums may also swell, bleed and become
red or tender. Large lumps may appear as a reaction to local irritants. However,
these growths are generally painless and not cancerous. They may require professional
removal, but usually disappear after pregnancy.
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Periodontal health should be part of your prenatal care. Any infections during pregnancy,
including periodontal infections, can place a baby’s health at risk.
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The best way to prevent periodontal infections is to begin with healthy gums and
continue to maintain your oral health with proper home care and careful periodontal
monitoring.
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Oral Surgery and Pregnancy |
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The extractions are carried out in the 2nd trimester .Procedures to remove wisdom
teeth are often carried out safely under local anaesthetic. In the mean time keep
the area clean with your tooth brush. We know it may not feel very good, but until
you have the tooth removed, that is a necessity. Also, rinse your mouth with warm
salt water 2 to 3 times a day. This will help with some of the discomfort.
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Pregnancy Gingivitis
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Most women notice changes in their gums during pregnancy. Some women notice that
their gums look redder and bleed when they brush their teeth. And some women have
severe swelling and bleeding. |
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All of these changes are referred to as "pregnancy gingivitis." They can start as
early as the second month. The condition tends to peak around the eighth month.
It often tapers off after the baby is born. |
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Pregnancy gingivitis is most common in the front of the mouth. The symptoms are
the same as those for gingivitis, but some of the causes are different. Increased
hormone levels may be partly responsible for pregnancy gingivitis. During pregnancy,
the level of progesterone in your body can be 10 times higher than normal. This
may enhance growth of certain bacteria that cause gingivitis. Also, your immune
system may work differently during pregnancy. This could change the way your body
reacts to the bacteria that cause gingivitis.
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To minimize the effects of pregnancy gingivitis, practice good oral hygiene: Brush
twice a day, for at least two minutes each time. Floss every day. Using an antimicrobial
mouth rinse also may help you control your gum infection. .
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Be sure to have check up of your gums while you are pregnant. Pregnancy gingivitis
usually can be treated with a professional cleaning. This can be done at any time
during your pregnancy, but preferably during the second trimester. More aggressive
treatments, such as periodontal surgery, should be postponed until after delivery.
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Pregnancy Granuloma (Pyogenic Granuloma or Pregnancy Tumor)
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A pregnancy granuloma is a growth on the gums that occurs in 2% to 10% of pregnant
women. It is also known as a pyogenic granuloma or pregnancy tumor. Pregnancy tumors
are misnamed. They are not actually tumors and are not cancerous. They are not even
dangerous, although they can cause discomfort.
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Pregnancy granulomas usually develop in the second trimester. They are red nodules,
typically found near the upper gum line, but can also be found elsewhere in the
mouth. These growths bleed easily and can form an ulcer or crust over. Pregnancy
granulomas usually are attached to the gum or mucous membrane by a narrow stalk
of tissue.
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The exact cause of pregnancy granulomas is unknown, although poor oral hygiene is
a primary factor. Trauma, hormones, viruses and malformed blood vessels have also
been suspected as co-factors. Women with these growths usually have widespread pregnancy
gingivitis.
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Pregnancy granulomas will disappear after your baby is born. If a growth interferes
with speaking or eating, you may need to have it removed before you give birth.
However, about half the time, the growth will come back after it has been removed.
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How should I take care of my teeth and mouth while I'm pregnant?
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Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet with plenty of protein, calcium and vitamins
A, C and D. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Use
fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day. Using an antibacterial mouthwash
can help destroy bacteria that contribute to gingivitis.
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Is it safe to visit the dentist while I'm pregnant?
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The second trimester is the best time to receive routine dental care. If possible,
avoid major procedures, reconstruction and surgery until after the baby is born.
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What should I do about emergency dental treatment while pregnant?
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You should receive treatment if it is necessary to ease your pain, prevent infection
or decrease stress on you and your fetus. We consult with your obstetrician if there
are questions about the safety of medicines or anesthesia.
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Is it safe to get dental X-rays while I'm pregnant?
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Advances in technology have made dental X-rays much safer. Digital X-rays use much
less radiation than older systems that use dental film. Studies have shown that
using a lead apron will protect you and your fetus from radiation. Some dentists
will put two lead aprons on a pregnant patient to make sure that the fetus is protected.
However, most dentists do not recommend dental X-rays if you are pregnant or think
you may be pregnant. X-rays usually are taken if they are needed for diagnosis or
treatment that cannot wait until after the baby is born.
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Can I take dental medications while pregnant? |
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Ideally, you should not take any medicines during pregnancy, especially during your
first trimester. However, sometimes this is simply not possible because the benefits
of a medicine outweigh the risks related to its use. Most common dental medicines
can be used during pregnancy. However, some — such as sedatives and certain antibiotics
— should be avoided.
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Can I take dental medications while nursing? |
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The amount of drug excreted into breast milk is usually small, about 1% to 2% of
the dose you take. So it is highly unlikely that any dental medicines will affect
your baby. You need to be more cautious about taking medicines if your baby is a
newborn or premature and you are breastfeeding often than if your baby is older. |
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To minimize risk, take any medicines just after your baby has nursed. Then, try
to avoid nursing for at least four hours or as long as you can. This will minimize
the amount of drug that enters your breast milk. Most drugs reach their maximum
concentration in milk one or two hours after you take them.
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