Women are blessed with this amazing power to bring life into this world. Motherhood is indeed a beautiful, never ending journey which is embraced by women right from the moment she conceives. Pregnancy is a phase where, she undergoes various physical transformations and changes that sometimes are very challenging. Several rounds of routine check- ups, popping multi-vitamin pills, constant hydration, maintaining right body posture to right lifestyle with help of exercise, everything plays a crucial role in its own way. But what often remains misunderstood or neglected is dental care. Yes, you read it right. There are various hormonal changes during pregnancy which lead to gum diseases, dental caries and much more than that. This all can be taken care of with collective efforts from dentist, physician and the mother herself.
How pregnancy affects oral cavity?
The increase in sex steroid levels that begin before fertilization, continue during implantation of the embryo and are maintained until parturition. This prominent increase in plasma hormone levels over several months has a dramatic effect on the peridontium throughout pregnancy.
Common oral problems during Pregnancy:
1.Gingivitis / Gum infection
Gingivitis is inflammation of gum tissue. Increase in the circulating levels of progesterone (hormone) during pregnancy causes increased prostaglandins, especially PGE-2, probably resulting in the exacerbation of gingivitis. The pregnant female can notice increased redness, swelling and bleeding in gums.
2.Pregnancy Tumour
Pregnancy oral tumour (lesion) frequently presents as a rapidly growing gingival mass that may bleed profusely when touched and occurs in up to 5 % of pregnancies. This vascular lesion is caused by increased progesterone in combination with local irritants and bacteria. Lesions are typically erythematous, smooth, and lobulated; they are located primarily on the gingiva. The tongue, palate, or buccal mucosa may also be involved. Pregnancy tumors are most common after the first trimester, grow rapidly, and typically recede after delivery.
3.Dental Caries
One fourth of women of reproductive age have dental caries, a disease in which dietary carbohydrate is fermented by oral bacteria into acid that demineralizes enamel. Pregnant women are at higher risk of tooth decay for several reasons, including increased acidity in the oral cavity, sugary dietary cravings, and limited attention to oral health.
4.Pre-term Birth
Periodontitis (infection of periodontal tissue) has been associated with several poor pregnancy outcomes, although the mechanism by which this occurs remains unclear and controversial. Periodontitis may act as a reservoir for haematogenous spread of oral bacteria and inflammatory mediators to the fetal–maternal unit. Endotoxin from gram-negative bacteria enters the circulation at high enough levels to stimulate production of inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandin E2, by the amnion. Prostaglandin E2 and other inflammatory mediators are potent inducers of labour leading to pre-term birth.
Dental Care during Pregnancy:
First and foremost, a pregnant woman should take care of her oral hygiene throughout her pregnancy. However if she notices any signs of oral disease then she must seek a professional advice. The pregnant woman must always inform her concerned dentist about pregnancy so that they can provide better dental care. For example- A dentist will avoid taking X rays if you inform them prior about your pregnancy. (Be it just the beginning but never forget mentioning about it)
This is what your dentist might do-
Dental procedures such as diagnostic radiography, periodontal treatment, restorations, and extractions are safe and are best performed during the second trimester.
You might be assessed for dental hygiene habits, oral problems (e.g., caries, gingivitis), sugar intake if excessive and access to dental care.
Guide you with correct brushing technique, advice you to use soft tooth brush and be gentle if you use floss additionally.
Post -delivery once you recover well, you must schedule for a dental appointment to get yourself assessed for any oral changes that might have come.
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