Hello Steemers!!!
Is Dental health must for Pregnant ladies?
How is bad oral hygiene going to affect the baby in the womb?
How Safe is the Dental Treatments during Pregnancy?
What procedures can you undergo during Pregnancy?
Are you expecting any new family member coming into your life?
How concerned are you about his/her health right from start?
Did any of the Questions ring a bell to you during your Nine Months Time? If yes, well here are the Answers.
It is important to take care of your oral health during the Pregnancy. Regular Dental Check ups are as important as any other Routine medical Check up. It is highly recommended by American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
The Hormonal changes during the Pregnancy affect the Health of Gums and Teeth leading to periodontal problems which in turn can cause problems in the developing baby.
It has been documented that bad oral health of mothers is one of the causes of lower fetal birth weight and Premature birth.
Dental Problems common during Pregnancy
Although some of the Pregnant ladies don't experience any new dental discomfort, only previous conditions worsen. Here are some of the commonly seen oral conditions during pregnancy:
Pregnancy Gingivitis
The hormonal changes in the body are reflected on the gums, which become swollen. They are sometimes painful and bleed easily on brushing or biting on things. It can worsen if left untreated. Thus, Frequent cleaning of teeth is recommended.
Tooth Decay
Eating habits are changed during pregnancy, alot of carbs, sugar cravings and poor oral health care lead to increased risk of caries.
Also the morning sickness or increased vomiting can cause more acid attacks on your teeth, leading to erosions or enamel destruction.
Pregnancy Granuloma/Tumor
Not really a Tumor but raw red swelling in the gums which resembles that of Raspberry. It can bleed profusely but disappear after the baby is born.
Best Time for Dental Treatment
Trimesters of pregnancy
There are 3 trimesters of pregnancy- first trimester, second trimester and third trimester.
1st Trimester
In the first trimester, organogenesis of foetus takes place that is the formation of organs of the baby takes place. Liver, kidneys, heart etc. are formed in first trimester of pregnancy. Foetus is highly susceptible to developmental malformations if the mother passes through stess and strain in the 1st trimester.
Only urgent treatments are done during this period
2nd Trimester
During the second trimester of pregnancy, the baby is just growing. It is considered as safe period in pregnancy and all dental procedures can be performed in 2nd trimester.
3rd Trimester
In the third trimester, it is problem for the lady to sit in the dental chair in the same position for hours. Large quantities of steroids are released into the blood. Uterine contraction is stimulated by oxytocin hormone which causes change of premature labour. Blood volume increases and patient can’t be comfortable on the chair. If patient is in severe pain and tooth extraction has to be done in third trimester, then it should be done in the first month of last trimester.
3rd trimester involves short duration treatment only
Obstetricians and gynecologists allow the most elective dental care during the second trimester.
Medication
The teeth of a fetus begins to develop at three months of Pregnancy, so care should be taken while undergoing any treatment or medication.
Pain killers used during pregnancy
- Acetaminophen can be prescribed to the patient for pain relief. It is considered safe throughout pregnancy.
- Ibuprofen is considered safe till 32 weeks of pregnancy. If pain is very severe, then narcotics can be given like codeine for short duration of time after consulting patient’s obstetrician.
Antibiotics used during pregnancy
- Penicillin and cephalosporin’s can be given to the patient unless the patient is allergic to it.
- Erythromycin, Clindamycin and Metronidazole are also safe during pregnancy provided patient’s stomach can tolerate it.
- Tetracycline and Aspirin should not be given to the patient. Tetracycline given during pregnancy in second or third trimester or in neonates may lead to tetracycline pigmentation in teeth of baby.
Tetracycline causes internal pigmentation due to chelate formation of tetracycline with calcium.
Anesthesia
If you’re pregnant and need a filling, root canal or tooth pulled, one thing you don’t have to worry about is the safety of the numbing medications your dentist may use during the procedure. They are, in fact, safe for both you and your baby. A study published on August 2015 in Journal of American Dental Association confirmed that use of Lidocaine is safe for the dental treatments during pregnancy.
X-Rays during Pregnancy
The Radiation from dental X-rays mainly IOPA does not cause any effect on Fetus and Pregnant mother.
Thus are safe during pregnancy. However lead aprons should be worn by the mothers. 5-10 cGy are said to be normal radiation dosage for pregnant ladies and even 20 sets of Dental X-rays add upto 0.00001cGy dosage.
Preventive Care
- Tell your dentist if you are pregnant or not and how many months is very important. Routine dental check ups are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene.
- Tell your dentist/doctor all the medicines you are taking before undergoing any procedure.
- Brush minimum 2x daily and floss strictly on daily basis.
- Rinse your mouyh thoroughly after any vomit or morning sickness.
- Maintain a healthy and clean diet.
- Avoid frequent Sugary Snacks.
This is it for now...
Till next time
