Dental Health During Pregnancy

In anyways, maintaining oral hygiene is very important and it becomes all the more important during pregnancy.

Studies show a definite link between oral health diseases and pregnancy. Taking good care of your oral health during pregnancy can help you have a healthy baby and healthy teeth.

CHANGES in oral cavity during pregnancy-

1. Gingivitis: Certain bacteria like Prevotella intermedia and Capnocytophaga increase in our oral cavity most likely making our gums swell aka., gingivitis.

2. Pregnancy Tumor ( Pyogenic Granuloma ): These tumors are not cancerous but conditioned gingival enlargements. They look bright red and can bleed easily, but usually go away on their own.

3. Periodontitis: Hormones like progesterone and estrogen increase during pregnancy which take a toll on your oral health. They can temporarily loosen the tissues and bone that support your teeth making them slightly mobile.

4. Caries: Increase in blood and saliva glucose levels of a pregnant woman, cause the teeth to erode and cavitate the teeth surfaces.

PREVENTION of oral problems during pregnancy:

1. Routine dental checkups area great help in diagnosing and treating dental problems at an early stage.

2. Use of medicated mouthwashes like CHX mouthwash and Betadine rinses can help maintain a good oral health. 

3. Brushing your teeth with non abrasive fluoridated toothpastes and use of interdental aids have shown great results too. Use of a soft nylon bristled brush is recommended.

4. Vitamin supplements along with healthy nutritious food.

5. Gum massage / Oil pulling have also shown beneficial results. 

ARE DENTAL X-RAYS SAFE DURING PREGNANCY??

An x-ray is a medical test that uses radiation to make an image on the film. 

AND 

YES, they are absolutely safe during pregnancy as the amount of radiation used for a dental radiograph is very low. According to both, American Dental Association and American Pedodontics Association, dental x-ray is not enough  to cause any harm, to the baby and the mother as well.

Usually, a lead apron is used for a pregnant woman which is long enough to cover the abdomen while shooting xrays to avoid any harm to the baby.

However, you should inform your dentist about the pregnancy so that appropriate measures of safety can be taken and unwanted x-rays are avoided or can be delayed.

TOOTH EXTRACTION DURING PREGNANCY, YES OR NO ??

It is safe to carry an extraction procedure during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. 

If by any chance the woman goes into syncope during the procedure or even after that, stop the procedure immediately and make her lie in the left lateral supine position the dental chair. If the patient feels okay after sometime, continue the procedure or else postpone the treatment.