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Writer's picturekenan gültekin

PREGNANCY AND ORAL HEALTH



How is oral and dental health affected during pregnancy?

*The increase in plaque on the teeth may lead to gingivitis due to the effect of hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.


*As the amount of acid in the mouth increases as a result of frequent vomiting, especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy, an increase in cavities occurs.

*Brushing teeth immediately after vomiting may cause wear on the teeth.


Does tooth loss occur during pregnancy?

In our society, "A tooth is lost in every pregnancy" and "The baby pulls the calcium out of the tooth." The belief " is not true. Oral and dental health is affected by the changes experienced during pregnancy, but this occurs indirectly. When the mother does not receive enough calcium, the calcium requirement is provided by the bones. There is no data indicating that calcium is removed from the tooth.


Do teeth decay faster during pregnancy?

As we mentioned above, the change in balance in the body during pregnancy also causes changes in the oral environment. However, the reasons why teeth decay more quickly during this period are as follows:

*The mother's addiction to sweets and junk food may increase during pregnancy. Situations where tooth brushing is neglected as a result of irregular nutrition increases the susceptibility to caries.

*Neglecting oral care after vomiting.

* The mother avoids brushing her teeth due to the tendency for bleeding in the gums due to the effect of hormones.


How can oral and dental health problems during pregnancy be prevented?

*If pregnancy is planned, the dentist should be visited before pregnancy. In this way, problems that may occur during pregnancy are prevented.

* Sugar consumption should be reduced in snacks and a balanced and healthy diet should be consumed.

*Teeth should be brushed twice a day and care should be taken to use dental floss. In expectant mothers who worry about bleeding in their gums and stop brushing, the plaque on their teeth will increase and their gums will become more bleeding. Expectant mothers who have increased sensitivity and bleeding in their gums should visit the dentist.

*Teeth should not be brushed immediately after vomiting, especially in the first months of pregnancy. Immediately after vomiting, the mouth should be rinsed with water and the teeth should be brushed at least half an hour later.


Can dental treatments be performed during pregnancy?

The doctor and dentist who follow you throughout the pregnancy will plan your treatments in consultation.

First trimester: During this period of organ development, procedures other than dental cleaning are generally avoided. However, in cases where urgent treatment is required, treatment can be performed when not providing treatment would be more harmful.

Second trimester: This is the most suitable period for dental treatments. Many treatments can be done during this period.

Third trimester: In this period, non-urgent treatments are avoided as birth is approaching. However, when necessary, treatments can be performed in short sessions without tiring the expectant mother.


Can anesthesia be used for dental treatments during pregnancy?

During dental treatment, appropriate dental anesthesia can be applied if the mother is not allergic and there is no problem during the pregnancy.


Can dental x-rays be taken during pregnancy?

Temporary solution to complaints related to dental problems may be without film, the actual treatment can be left until after birth. However, if there is a situation that affects the mother's general health, the approach may be different. In cases where taking an x-ray is unavoidable, an x-ray is taken for the mother using a lead vest. (The radiation dose given in x-rays taken in dentistry is very low and very far from the abdominal area.)


What precautions should be taken for the baby's dental health?

Tooth development begins in the womb. Therefore, the mother should have a balanced and healthy diet for both her own health and the baby's health and tooth development. He/she should definitely follow the recommendations of his/her follow-up doctor and dentist on this matter.


Can antibiotics and painkillers be used during pregnancy?

Unconscious use of medications should be avoided. The medications used may affect both the baby's general health and dental development. Not every antibiotic can be used during pregnancy. During this period, the patient should not use any medication not recommended by his doctor. During pregnancy, painkillers that your doctor deems appropriate can also be used.



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