Dental problems during pregnancy
Dental Problems during Pregnancy
There are misconceptions that dental problems are common during pregnancy and so it is always neglected. Hence pregnant women don't discuss about the dental health with their physicians. Later the same problem becomes a lifetime dental issue.
Why dental diseases are common during pregnancy?
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy causes soreness, swelling and bleeding from gums. As the hormone level fluctuates the dental problem arises in women. Hence dental problems are common during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopausal period in the women. Increase in estrogen and progesterone affects the ligaments that support the tooth. Hence tooth falls easily during pregnancy.
- During pregnancy women tend to eat more often. If a women craves more sweet food then dental decay is common during pregnancy.
- Retching and vomiting is common during pregnancy. Vomiting causes the stomach acid to increase which increases the risk for cavities. If a woman brushes her teeth immediately after vomiting or retching the acid in the mouth spreads all over the tooth which causes dental and gum diseases. Hence the dental diseases are common during pregnancy.
Some common dental diseases during pregnancy
Let us discuss the most common dental diseases seen during the pregnancy and what dental care is required to prevent the dental problems.
1) Toothache - Toothache is very common symptom during pregnancy. The toothache can be due to gum diseases or periodontal diseases.
2) Pregnancy gingivitis - Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums and tissues around the teeth. It causes by the deposits of bacteria around the teeth.The pregnancy gingivtis starts around second moth which gradually increases till eight month of pregnancy and most often the symptom reduces after the delivery.
Symptoms - The gums become red and swollen which bleeds easily. If the gingivitis is mild then there is very mild pain. In severe gingivitis the gums are very painful on touch and this leads to the loss of tooth.
Women must immediately seek the advice from dentist to avoid further complications.
3) Pregnancy tumor (Tumor of gums called as epulis) - It is not a cancer. It is a overgrowth in the mouth around the gums. It is commonly seen in pregnant women during second trimester. This tumor is not dangerous.
It is a localized growth usually seen between the teeth and it bleeds easily.
Symptoms - The only important symptom is reddish color swelling which bleeds easily and grows quickly. It shrinks after the delivery. Sometimes it is visible after the pregnancy which can be removed surgically.
How to maintain the dental health during pregnancy?
A ) Regular visit to dentist
It is important to visit the dentist at least once during pregnancy for regular dental checkup. If there any problem then dentist will advice you accordingly.
The best time to start the dental visit is in the second trimester. Avoid dental surgeries or ant major dental treatment until the baby is born.
Avoid dental x-rays during pregnancy as the rays may cause harmful rffects on your child.
B ) Oral hygiene during pregnancy
Use toothpaste that contains fluoride and a soft toothbrush.
Brush your teeth with the gums at least twice a day.
Use antibacterial mouthwash once a day to get rid of oral bacteria.
C) Health food
Reduce the intake of sugary snacks.
Eat healthy nutritious food
Rinse your mouth immediately after the meals.
If you have frequent vomiting the eat small meals at a time and frequently. Include fruits, green leafy vegetables in the meal.
Dental problems in pregnant women may have health effects on baby.
If proper oral hygiene is not maintained during the pregnancy then the baby may get infected after the birth. The bacteria from mothers mouth may transfer to the baby due to kissing, close contact, etc.
Pregnant women also may deliver the low weight baby or premature baby as the bacteria can render the growth of baby and may cause complications to the mother during the delivery.
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