While it is important for women to look after themselves and their baby during pregnancy, it is equally important for them to take care of their dental hygiene. This is because of the fluctuations in levels of various hormones that occur during pregnancy, which can result in various dental conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Hence it is very important for pregnant women to maintain an impeccable oral hygiene, not only before and during pregnancy, but also after they have delivered the baby.
Before Pregnancy
It is advisable for expecting mothers to visit their dentist at the time they decide to get pregnant, to get any carious teeth restored, and their teeth cleaned. In addition, any developing dental condition, which is likely to aggravate during pregnancy, such as an impacted tooth, dental abscess, or a cyst, must be treated beforehand, to avoid discomfort and complications during pregnancy.
During Pregnancy
- Avoid Dental Treatment – It is generally not recommended for pregnant ladies to undergo dental intervention during the first and last trimester of their pregnancy, except in the case of a dental emergency. This is because the first and the third trimesters are very critical for the development of the baby, and dentists prefer to avoid performing any dental treatment that could impact the developing fetus. However, dental treatment during the second trimester is usually considered safe, provided all necessary precautions are undertaken. Furthermore, repair or replacement of amalgam fillings should not performed during pregnancy, as there are chances, however small, of mercury toxicity and fetal damage
- Pregnancy and Medications – You must provide the names and dosages to your dental practitioner about any medication prescribed to you by your general practitioner or the gynecologist, including any supplements or vitamins that you may be taking. Your dentist, in consultation with your doctor, may need to alter your medications if a dental procedure is to be performed during pregnancy.
- Avoid Dental X-Rays – Although the radiation exposure of a patient while taking an x-ray for medical and dental purposes is within safe limits, radiation exposure in the form of dental radiographs must be avoided during pregnancy, to prevent damage to the fetus. However, in cases of emergency, pregnant mothers must wear a lead apron while taking an x-ray, to shield the fetus from excessive radiation exposure.
- Oral Hygiene – Dental conditions such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral ulcers occur commonly during pregnancy. Current research has shown that if expecting mothers maintain good oral hygiene, the chance of occurrence of these problems are greatly minimized. However, it should be kept in mind, oral hygiene products that contain alcohol, such as some mouthwashes, must not be used during pregnancy, as there is direct relation between alcohol consumption and fetal toxicity.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly – Pregnancy itself can be an uncomfortable condition, and there is no need to aggravate this with the addition of dental problems. It is therefore advisable for pregnant mothers to visit their dentist on a regular basis, in order to get treatment for any pregnancy induced dental problems.
- Brushing and Morning Sickness – Many pregnant women feel nausea while brushing their teeth, a symptom of morning sickness. In these cases, a bland tasting toothpaste can be used to minimize the problem.
Dental Treatment after Delivery
Since dental treatment is postponed during pregnancy, any dental conditions which arise during the prenatal period must be immediately looked after by the dentist.
Emergency
Patient Forms
Contact Us