During pregnancy, it is extremely important to take care of your teeth. Regular dental examinations are very important, especially in the first and second quarter. Recent studies have shown that women with gum disease are seven times more likely to have premature birth. Therefore it is necessary to pay attention to any changes in the teeth and gums that are occurring during pregnancy.
In Contrary to some opinions, the level of calcium in the body during pregnancy is not the cause of dental problem that pregnant women face. Hormonal changes during pregnancy (increased levels of estrogen and progesterone) can cause inflammation, and swelling of the gums or bleeding due to intense perfusion. The gums are then more sensitive to irritation, which may lead to a more bleeding due to the use of dental floss or a regular tooth brushing. This situation usually passes after pregnancy, but it would certainly be advisable to visit the dentist.
In this period, a small bump on gums can appear. The bump is called a pyogenic granuloma, and it is purple, brown or blue-black color in slightly raised area. This granulome happens due to the increased growth of capillaries and flesh surrounding tissue. The bump is almost by rule benign, but if it does not withdraw, you should not ignore it, but we advise you to see a dentist.
Due to increased acidity in the mouth, especially in the first months of pregnancy, acid- dental plaque can be the primary cause of dental caries and its action leads to decalcification of dental hard tissues. In pregnant women, the oral flora changeds and there is a growing number of acidophilus bacteria, which increases the possibility of caries.
If a pregnant woman needs a dental treatment, it is necessary to be sure to inform the dentist about pregnancy, since some dental anesthetics may harm the baby. In most cases, pregnant women should not be subjected to general anesthesia.
Larger dental procedures should be left for the period after delivery; however in case of emergency (painful inflammation or broken tooth) it is necessary to act immediately in order to solve the problem. Teeth X-rays are not recommend during the pregnancy, so it is important that the dentist and his staff are familiar with pregnancy. Only in exceptional and extremely urgent cases pregnant women can perform X-rays of teeth, using all available protection.
If you are pregnant and you need to take antibiotics for dental inflammatory process, it is necessary to consult both with the dentist, and gynecologist. The assessment and decision will certainly be on the side of the baby, since it can be of the infection which, if not treated, can harm the baby. Never in pregnancy should not take antibiotics that are not approved gynecologist who monitors the pregnancy.
Some of the rituals that are advised for every pregnant woman are:
– Brushing teeth after every meal,
– The use of dental floss at least once a day,
– Going on at least one inspection and cleaning of tooth during pregnancy, preferably after the first quarter,
– Including the foods rich in vitamin C and calcium into daily meal,
– Rinsing the teeth and oral cavity, in the case of morning sickness and vomiting.