Dental Safety during Pregnancy and Dental Treatments to Avoid During Pregnancy

In general  pregnancy time is nine months in which divided in three trimester named  first trimester , the second trimester ,third trimester.

With the mouth and body so closely linked, dentists and obstetrician physicians should collaborate more closely. ” obstetrician Physicians need to be trained to examine the mouth, and dentists need to understand more about systemic disease so they can pick up on some of the cues.”

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Before You Get Pregnant

Try to make a dental appointment before getting pregnant. That way, your teeth can be professionally cleaned, your gum tissue can be carefully examined, and any oral health problems can be treated in advance of your pregnancy.

If a woman  pregnant  or think she  might be pregnant, tell her dentist(and doctor) during her visit  or have an appointment for the dentist, As a precautionary measure,  alert her dentist  of her  condition, since some procedures or medications may be harmful to her unborn child! It is very important that  your dentist to knows as you dentist  will treat you differently.

Dentists recommend continuing regular dental visits and cleanings during pregnancy. it is best advice to avoid any dental treatment as much as possible that’s not essential during the first trimester of pregnancy and and the second half of the third trimester which is the last six or seven weeks of pregnancy . These are critical times in the baby’s growth and development and it’s simply wise to avoid exposing the mother to procedures that could in any way influence the baby’s growth and development. However, sometimes emergency dental work such as a root canal or tooth extraction is necessary. The second trimester is the most ideal time to get routine dental treatment is most commonly given which , it’s avoided during the first trimester they should  highly suggested  that periodontal disease in pregnant women has been linked with premature birth and low birth weight.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, the organ systems in the foetus are still developing which makes it very sensitive to environmental influences. During the last half of the third trimester, there will be risks for premature delivery since the uterus is sensitive to outside forces. At the end of your pregnancy, you may also find it hard to sit on the dental chair. Pregnant women should avoid lying on their backs for extended periods of time because this will put pressure on large blood vessels. This can cause changes in blood circulation.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase your risk of developing gum disease, which in turn, can affect the health of your developing baby.

Hormonal changes During the pregnancy  associated  with increase in hormone levels  and affect pregnant woman gum area  in which can make gum tissues sensitive and  more susceptible to the bacteria in plaque, leading to inflammation and bleeding gums and  can cause swollen, red and tender gums  which this condition called  pregnancy gingivitis which  is often accompanied with bleeding when she brush her teeth. This can be prevented by brushing and flossing daily. At this stage, the infection is called gingivitis if it progresses, it’s called periodontitis. Both are forms of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Gingivitis usually precedes periodontitis. However, it is important to know that not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis

This condition is most common between the second to eighth months of pregnancy. If a pregnant woman experiences the symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis, be sure to visit her dentist to see if she need more frequent dental cleanings or other treatment. so maintaining proper oral health,  dental care during pregnancy is especially important, to  reduce her risk of pregnancy complications that can result if dental conditions are left untreated .The good oral hygiene   such as brushing and flossing each day is the best way to prevent and to improve pregnancy gingivitis.

Periodontal Disease and Premature Birth

Oral health is an expression of your general health . Don’t skip your dental checkup appointment simply because you are pregnant. Now more than any other time, regular periodontal (gum) examinations are very important because pregnancy causes hormonal changes that put you at increased risk for periodontal disease .Proper and Regular dental care is important during pregnancy to prevent oral infections, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, which might affect the baby. It is now known that one of the reasons for premature birth is Periodontal Disease, a serious gum disease., since serious gum disease (periodontal disease) has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. A study showed that women with periodontal disease were seven times more likely to have a baby born too early or too small. Researchers believe that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease enter the bloodstream through the mouth and travel to the uterus, where they trigger the production of prostaglandins, which may cause premature labor. Due to early born  of a baby prematurely, it can’t reach its full potential, chances are it has not achieved his potential weight, causing him to be in an incubator

Remember the basics steps to caring for teeth and gums

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth daily with floss once a day.
• Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar
• Avoid bedtime snacks
• Use disclosing tablets periodically to see if you are brushing effectively. Disclosing tablets are chewable and will color any plaque left on the teeth after brushing. Eat a healthy diet that includes whole grains, vegetables, and fruits; is low in fat and saturated fat; and low in sodium.
• The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that pregnant women brush their teeth thoroughly with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and floss daily
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional teeth cleanings checkups and  oral exams.
• Denta Safety  during Pregnancy and Dental Treatments to Avoid During Pregnancy.
• There are a number of dental procedures that should be avoided during pregnancy.
• During pregnancy, pregnant woman should  avoid elective dental treatment, such as routine dental X-rays and whitening of teeth and bonding, especially during the first trimester. However, if she is experiencing dental pain, emergency treatment and minimal emergency X-rays should be completed immediately with consultation between her dentist and her obstetrician. Local anesthetic and X-rays should be used conservatively, particularly since she is in her first trimester.
• X-rays are much safer now because of the advances in science and technology. A lead apron can protect you and your foetus from radiation however; dentists will not recommend dental x-rays during your pregnancy. Even if you think that you are pregnant, x-rays aren’t recommended as well. X-rays should only be taken if it is urgently needed in a diagnosis and if the dental treatment can not wait after the baby is delivered,Under emergency circumstances, an X-ray may be necessary to help dentist determine the health of pregnant woman  teeth and jaw. If not having the x-ray done poses a risk to her health, then have the X-ray– the risk will be minimal, since her  uterus will be shielded with a lead apron.
• Extensive Dental Work: Restorative and cosmetic dental procedures including those that require you to sit in a dental chair for an extended period of time are not recommended during pregnancy. If you sit for long periods in the dental chair, you put increased pressure on the major blood vessel that supplies blood to your lower extremities which can make you feel faint.
• Consult with your dentist and medical doctor to determine procedures that are deemed safe for you and your unborn child
• Remember– taking care of yourself is the best way to ensure the health of your child, so do what’s best for both of you and maintain your regular dental care.
• Pregant woman who have severe morning sickness and who vomit a lot are at risk of eroding their teeth enamel on their front and their back teeth. If you vomit a lot then you should get in touch with your dentist and find out ways on how to prevent your tooth enamel from eroding. If you’re suffering from pregnancy sickness: Avoid the temptation to brush immediately after being sick, the acid from your stomach can cause tooth erosion which will worsten with brushing. Opt for a drink of water instead and return to brushing your teeth around an hour later. the acid can be very damaging to the surface of your teeth. If you experience pregnancy sickness make sure you rinse your teeth with mouthwash. Opt for a minty flavor that will refresh rather than adding to the nausea!
• Pregnant woman should always talk to her dentist about the names any medications and prenatal vitamins that she is  taking and their corresponding dosages. Because several prescription drugs based on their levels of risk to the foetus.
• Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and erythromycin are safe to use during pregnancy, but avoid tetracycline, can affect the development of your child’s teeth which can permanently discolor your unborn child’s developing teeth.and should not be given during the pregnancy. You should not take medications during your pregnancy especially during your first trimester although if the benefits of the medications outweigh the risks then you may have to take them anyway. Most of the dental medications can be taken during your pregnancy although you should stay away from some sedatives and antibiotics.
• Maintain healthy circulation by keeping your legs uncrossed while you sit in the dentist’s chair
• Dental Problems and your oral health During Pregnancy