Oral Health Needs and Your Pregnancy
In the early 1900s, dental health care focused mainly on the elimination of pain. Whether the source of pain stemmed from a severely decayed tooth or an acute/chronic infection, treatment usually involved extraction. The state of dental medicine has vastly changed since then. Over the past 40 years alone, advances in dental health research have brought forth a new era, the Age of Preventative Dental Health. The prevention of disease in the teeth and supporting structures (the gum and bone) plays a major role in our daily lives. This includes a thorough regimen of tooth brushing and flossing, as well as attempting to maintain optimum health and nutritional balances.
During pregnancy, there are many unique physiologic changes. Becoming knowledgeable regarding the causes of dental disease and adopting good oral hygiene practices are even more necessary at this time. Bacterial plaque is the root cause of dental decay and periodontal disease. An expectant mother must attend meticulously to oral hygiene. The removal of plaque twice a day significantly reduces the risk of decay that results from poor nutritional habits. A diet low in sugars is encouraged; however, sugars are not the only cause of decay. Morning sickness, too, can interfere with routine oral hygiene. An increased gag reflex makes it difficult even to brush. Plaque and increased acids break down enamel, resulting in decay. An antibacterial mouth rinse is often recommended.
The effects of plaque extend beyond dental decay. As plaque accumulates, the incidence of periodontal disease increases. Inflammation of the gums is exaggerated by hormonal changes. Gums may be tender, red, or even bleeding. This is known as Pregnancy Gingivitis. A small percentage of expecting mothers develops a benign lesion, known as a pregnancy tumor. Good hygiene can reduce the lesion's size, but it is recommended that a woman see a dentist for treatment. In addition to hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies affect the health of oral tissues. Adequate levels of Vitamins A and D can help maintain healthy gums. Consult your obstetrician about prenatal vitamin supplements.
Preventative visits to your dentist are highly recommended. Inform your dentist or hygienist of how many weeks you are pregnant. The fifth and sixth months are most suitable for providing dental care. Dental radiographs should be postponed during pregnancy. Discuss any symptoms and questions you may have regarding your dental health. The better educated you become about your dental health, the better able you will be to care for your teeth, and to seek out professional help when necessary.
Routine home care is the best medicine for the prevention of dental diseases. A thorough regimen, including brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing once daily, must be followed. Using an antibacterial mouth rinse can also be beneficial. All expectant mothers should receive preventative dental care as part of their total obstetrical health program.