Dr. Vishaj S. Maru
Dental Practitioner,
Mumbai.
Oral health issues during pregnancy is something, that should be avoided. Oral health issues and its treatment can cause premature delivery, still birth or even miscarriage. Thereby, maintaining a good oral health before you conceive and throughout the gestation period becomes imperative. If you wish to go through any elective procedures, you should get it done before you conceive or let it wait till your doctor gives his nod.
Protozoal infections like Toxoplasmosis may cause a miscarriage, death of the fetus and other serious birth defects. Similarly, bacterial infections like Listeriosis may increase the risk of preterm labor, miscarriage or stillbirth. Babies who are born prematurely may risk a range of health conditions including cerebral palsy and problems with eyesight and hearing.
During pregnancy, your increased hormones can affect your body’s response to plaque. Estimates suggest that up to 18 out of every 100 premature births may be triggered by periodontal disease, which is a chronic infection of the gums.
You are less likely to have dental problems during pregnancy if you already have good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste. Floss between your teeth. Visit your dentist regularly. It is more convenient to have elective procedures done before you conceive. If you require dental treatment during pregnancy, non-urgent procedures are often performed after the first trimester.
Preventive procedures like cavity fillings and crowns should be done before you conceive to reduce chances of infection. Some elective procedures can be done during the second trimester. During the procedure, sit straight with a proper back support. Avoid sitting in the same position for more than 30 minutes at a stretch. As it will be quite difficult to lie on your back comfortably for a extended period, during the third trimester, it is advised to postpone treatment until after the birth.
Though elective treatments should be postponed, emergency dental work, such as root canal treatment or tooth extraction can be done safely during pregnancy. Check with your obstetrician before going to the dentist.
Precautions with medicine
Anesthesia during the procedure should be administered with great precision. Though Lidocaine with Epinephrine is safe but all care should be taken to avoid cardiovascular side effects that may harm the fetus.
Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, cephalosporin and clindamycin have been found to be safe during pregnancy. Tetracycline of any type should be avoided.
For severe pain, Oxycodone is considered safe. Hydrocodone or Propoxyphene are safe when used for a short spell. But before prescribing any medicine, Initial consent from the physician should be taken. Aspirin and other non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided.
X-rays should be done after proper shielding.
A rise in hormone levels during pregnancy causes the gums to swell, bleed and trap food particles, causing irritation to your gums. Pregnancy Gingivitis generally peaks during the third trimester.
Morning sickness and vomiting cause stomach acid to flood into your mouth causing damage to tooth enamel. Rinse your mouth well after retching. Use a fluoridated mouthwash or rub a fluoridated paste gently over the teeth with your finger. Use bland toothpaste if brushing is uncomfortable. Rinsing with baking soda will also neutralize the stomach acids.
Use a soft, small brush to gently massage your gums while you clean your teeth. Though sweet cravings are aggravated during pregnancy, avoid sugary snacks. Eat a healthy balanced diet. Increase your calcium intake during pregnancy.
A woman has two smiles that an angel might envy, the smile that accepts a lover before words are uttered, and the smile that lights on the first born baby, assures it of a mother’s love.
