PREGNANCY AND ORAL CARE : WHY ?

                          ORAL CARE IN PREGNANCY

Being pregnant affects nearly every aspect of your life, including your oral health.

 There is a myth that teeth lose massive amounts of calcium during pregnancy because it’s being moved to somewhere in the body to support the growing baby but this is not true. Rather, most dental changes that happen during pregnancy are caused by hormonal changes in the body.
    The condition of your gums may affect your pregnancy and the health of your baby.And preventing tooth decay in your own mouth can help your baby have healthier teeth, too. After your little bundle of joy joins the world, their oral health is in your hands.

COMMON ORAL PROBLEMS IN PREGNANCY:

Oral lesions-
           During pregnancy, the oral cavity is exposed more often to gastric acid that can erode dental enamel. Morning sickness is a common cause early in pregnancy.

TOOTH EROSIONS ON LINGUAL SIDE

Management strategies aim to reduce oral acid exposure through dietary and lifestyle changes, plus the use of anti-emetics, antacids, or both. Fluoride mouthwash can protect eroded or sensitive teeth.

Caries-

DENTAL CARIES

           Pregnant women are at higher risk of tooth decay for several reasons, including increased acidity in the oral cavity, sugary dietary cravings and limited attention to oral health. Children of mothers who have high caries levels are more likely to get caries.

Pregnant patients should decrease their risk of caries by brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and limiting sugary foods. 
   Patients with untreated caries and associated complications should be referred to a dentist for definitive treatment.

PREGNANCY GRANULOMA

Pregnancy granuloma-
         This is a growth on the gums that occurs in 2% to 10% of pregnant women.It is not a cancerous condition and is not dangerous, but can be uncomfortable. They are often found near the upper gum line.
        The tumors are usually left untreated because they resolve on their own after the child's birth, but if it interferes with a woman's ability to eat or care for her teeth, the dentist may elect to remove it.

Gingivitis-        Gingivitis is the most common oral disease in pregnancy. Approximately one half of women with preexisting gingivitis have significant exacerbation during pregnancy.

PREGNANCY GINGIVITIS

     Gingivitis is inflammation of the superficial gum tissue. During pregnancy, gingivitis is aggravated by fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels in combination with changes in oral flora and a decreased immune response.                    Thorough oral hygiene measures, including tooth brushing and flossing, are recommended. Patients with severe gingivitis may require professional cleaning and need to use mouth rinses.

Dry mouth-
        To help dry mouth, drink plenty of water. You can use sugarless candy or gum to stimulate your saliva flow. This sugar substitute also destroys cavity causing bacteria.

DENTAL CARE DURING PREGNANCY:

Screening and prevention
           Every pregnant woman should be assessed for dental hygiene habits, access to fluoridated water, oral problems and access to dental care. Oral examination should include the teeth, gums, tongue, palate, and mucosa. Patients should be counseled to perform routine brushing and flossing, to avoid excessive amounts of sugary snacks and drinks, and to consult a dentist.

Diagnosis
        Dental radiography may be performed in pregnancy for acute diagnostic purposes. When possible, radiography should be delayed until after the first trimester. Modern fast film, avoidance of retakes, and use of lead aprons and thyroid shields all limit risk.

Routine dental treatment
           Ideally, dental procedures should be scheduled during the second trimester of pregnancy when organogenesis is complete. The third trimester presents the additional problems of positional discomfort and the risk of venacaval compression. Propping a woman on her left side, repositioning often, and keeping visits brief can reduce problems.

Medicines
          Avoid self medication for dental pain, this could affect the child during pregnancy. Your dentist will know what to prescribe or will discuss it with your obstetrician.

CONCLUSION:
               Nevertheless, pregnancy is a time when women may be more motivated to make healthy changes.Physicians can address maternal oral issues, potentially reducing the risk of preterm birth and childhood caries through oral disease prevention, diagnosis, early management, and dental referral.

Rootz Dental Care and Implant Center, 

No:2/2, First Floor, Sakthi Nagar,
Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Thuraipakkam,
Chennai - 600 097,
Phone :- 9786688755 

Email :- rootzdentalcare@gmail.com

Web:- www.rootzdentalcare.in