Dental Health in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women experience important hormonal changes that increase the predisposition to the appearance of certain inflammatory conditions in the gums such as granuloma or pregnancy gingivitis. In the first case, inflamed red nodules are produced in the gums that bleed very easily and intensely. They are usually eliminated after childbirth. In gingivitis of pregnancy, we will find gums that are inflamed and bleeding in a generalized manner throughout the mouth. It usually disappears after pregnancy

In order to prevent and / or control the different processes that may arise during the gestation period, it is highly recommended to insist on the bacterial plaque control techniques (brushing, dental floss and proper mouthwash) as well as a review during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Is it true that pregnancy endangers the mother’s teeth?

It is very important that during pregnancy you maintain proper oral hygiene and follow a balanced diet.

Contrary to popular beliefs, the baby does not get calcium from his mother’s teeth. When the baby needs calcium, it is obtained through the diet or from the mother’s bones, but never from her teeth. Nor is the popular saying that «every pregnancy cost me a tooth» true. If you are developing more cavities it may be due to:

  1. An oversight of your oral hygiene with the consequent accumulation of bacterial plaque. The bacteria in the dental plaque use the sugar you eat to produce acids that attack the enamel of your teeth, causing cavities.
  2. Change in dietary habits and schedules. As your abdomen increases in size, you will begin to eat small amounts of food more frequently, because then you will have a feeling of fullness. You should avoid eating sweet foods and / or sticky consistency (trinkets, packaged juices, soft drinks, pastries …)
  3. Vomiting associated with pregnancy or reflux of stomach acid. Stomach acid causes erosion of tooth enamel making it more susceptible to tooth decay.

 

Why do my gums hurt?

The hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy favor the appearance of gingivitis.

Gingivitis is an inflammation and redness of the gums that can cause generalized pain in the mouth and a greater tendency to bleeding. Gum problems often appear during the second month of pregnancy, are usually peaks in the eighth month and improve after delivery. If you already had gingival problems or periodontal disease before pregnancy, they will probably get worse. A «granuloma of pregnancy» may also appear during the second trimester. It is a bulging lesion located in the gum and that bleeds easily. Most decrease in size or disappear after childbirth.

The hormonal changes of pregnancy can not be controlled but it is in your hand to eliminate the rest of the factors that cause gingivitis and that are mainly: dental plaque (you have to clean the teeth every day) and tartar (you will have to clean your mouth with your dentist).

 

Are dental treatment or X-rays during pregnancy a danger?

Pregnancy is not a disease so the pregnant woman can receive the dental treatment she needs. During the first trimester, only emergency treatments are usually performed, since it is during the first trimester when the main structures are going to be formed, such as the Central Nervous System with the brain, the heart and the Vascular System, etc …

The second trimester is usually the ideal time to perform any dental treatment, there being no problem in using local anesthesia to ensure analgesia during treatment. The dentist will use anesthetic drugs that will not affect your baby. The radiographic examination is an important diagnostic tool and follow-up of some dental treatments.

The beam of radiographic rays is not directed towards the abdomen and the amount of radiation that is produced is small, so that dental x-rays can be done during pregnancy as long as you put a lead apron that covers the abdomen of the pregnant woman and protects her to the baby.

In the last trimester of pregnancy it can be annoying to remain seated in the dental chair for a prolonged period of time and that is why we try to avoid carrying out long treatments, although there is no inconvenience in practicing dental treatments. The dentist will take care that the abdomen does not hinder the venous return of your legs. 

The use of nitrous oxide is not recommended during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy since it could stimulate the uterine musculature and favor the occurrence of spontaneous abortions, during the first trimester, and the appearance of contractions with risk of premature birth, during the third . If there is a history of premature births, dental treatment should be avoided during the last months.

Remember that at Murcia Dentists we always offer the most innovative and innovative dental treatments for you: