Pregnant woman at the dentist
Pregnancy is a very special time in a woman's life, during which many changes occur in the body. It is very important to take care of your teeth during this time. The entire hormonal balance changes, dietary habits change, and there is greater fatigue, sleepiness, or irritability. Greater fatigue, malaise, and sleepiness during pregnancy can affect the quality and hygiene of the oral cavity.
What preventive measures should a pregnant woman take?
schedule a check-up visit with the dentist and start treatment if necessary
schedule a hygiene appointment with the hygienist
ensure a healthy and balanced diet, rich in essential vitamins and minerals
pay close attention to daily oral cleaning
remember about daily fluoride prophylaxis
What should you pay special attention to?
Thorough oral hygiene. During periods of hormonal fluctuations, the gums of pregnant women are much more sensitive, prone to inflammation, bleeding, and swelling. Even a very small amount of bacterial plaque can strongly affect the condition of the gums.
Systematic and thorough cleaning of the oral cavity is important. Toothbrushing at least twice a day (and preferably after every meal), dental flossing once a day, toothpaste with fluoride, and a gentle mouthwash.
With the so-called "cravings", the diet often changes to one that is less favorable for the oral cavity.
Sweet or acidic foods disrupt the proper environment of the oral cavity, and often during pregnancy, a woman is unable to deny herself an extra portion of chocolate. A high amount of sugars in the diet will increase the risk of tooth decay and accelerate its development. You do not have to give up these pleasures immediately, but after every such meal, you should ensure proper oral hygiene.
The first weeks of pregnancy are often very troublesome due to morning sickness, which causes stomach acid to enter the oral cavity.
An acidic environment is very unfavorable for teeth. Appropriate action in such a situation is very important. You should refrain from brushing for about 20-30 minutes, because in an acidic environment, tooth enamel becomes softer, and brushing could excessively abrade it. After this time, the pH of the oral cavity returns to normal and it is safe to use a toothbrush. To speed up this process and temporarily improve comfort in the mouth, you can rinse your mouth with water or a mild, alcohol-free preventive mouthwash. For women who experience a high frequency of such symptoms, it is recommended to replace the toothbrush much more often, even every 1-2 weeks.
Worth remembering
Different hormonal balance = inflammation of the gums
New dietary habits = higher risk of tooth decay
Fluctuations in oral pH associated with nausea = enamel erosion
Greater fatigue and drowsiness = poor quality of hygiene
The most important criterion determining dental treatment procedures for pregnant women is the condition in which the patient presents. In emergency cases (e.g., with a toothache or advanced gum inflammation), rapid dental intervention is usually necessary. In other cases, it is worth planning the treatment at an optimal time for the woman.
The best solution is to ensure good oral health even before pregnancy. This will help avoid stressful situations associated with potential pain and minimize the risk of passing bad bacteria to the baby.
A routine oral examination and professional dental cleaning/preventative procedures for pregnant women should be repeated in every trimester, and the first visit should take place before the 12th week of pregnancy. If the patient's condition is urgent and she needs immediate help, treatment should be carried out as soon as possible. Bacteria in the oral cavity, responsible for inflammation of the gums, periodontium, and those causing decay, have a significant impact on the developing baby. The placenta is not a barrier to pathological bacteria from the mother's bloodstream.
If the patient's dental needs do not require immediate intervention and can be deferred, such planned treatment is best carried out in the second trimester of pregnancy. This is usually the least burdensome time for a woman. The first trimester can be difficult due to frequent nausea, malaise, and drowsiness. In the third trimester, there is often significant fatigue, mainly associated with the growing belly, but also the baby's pressure on the mother's internal organs and mobility issues.
What dental procedures can be SAFELY performed during pregnancy?
removal of dental plaque using ultrasound
fluoridation of teeth
treatment of dental caries
necessary tooth extractions
necessary endodontic treatment
periodontic treatment
radiograph (if necessary for diagnostics, e.g., surgical or endodontic)
local anesthesia for treatment
What risks do poor dietary habits and the poor periodontal health of the mother carry?
The presence of caries in the mother is a risk factor for its occurrence in the child.
A woman's diet during pregnancy can influence the formation of the child's eating habits.
It can contribute to premature birth.
It can affect the baby's low birth weight.
It is worth recalling that since January 2019, in accordance with the regulation of the Minister of Health, dental examination is also among the tests to be performed by the 10th week of pregnancy or at the time of the first visit.
