Dental Treatment for Pregnancy
There are many misconceptions about dental treatment for pregnant women. Many women are convinced that dental treatment while pregnant is by no means possible. We refute this myth and tell you in detail when it is better to attend to your teeth, as well as whether x-rays and anesthesia are harmful to the health of expectant mothers.
Does pregnancy affect my teeth?
During pregnancy, the condition of your teeth can worsen dramatically, especially if you already have dental problems and have had treatment. This is due to a huge hormonal change, which begins immediately after conception.
What happens to a pregnant woman’s body and how does it affect her teeth?
The blood circulation accelerates and the blood flow to the organs increases. Because of the increased blood supply, the structure of the gums is disturbed, they become looser, and germs easily penetrate the tissues. The acid-alkaline balance in the mouth changes. During pregnancy, the pH level of the mouth rises, thinning the enamel of the teeth. Your taste preferences change. Experts note that pregnant women consume more simple carbohydrates, which are a magnet for germs, so plaque builds up faster than usual.
Toxicosis leads to calcium deficiency in the body, and this affects the structure of enamel and the condition of teeth in general. Therefore, to prevent disease, pregnant women need to replenish calcium after dental treatment. It is better to use not only food supplements but also to deliver useful substances directly to the teeth with special pastes. Even when planning your pregnancy, ask your dentist to select oral care products for you.
Three factors that affect the dental health of the pregnancy
Of course, pregnancy increases the burden on the body, but the condition of the teeth is affected not only by hormonal restructuring but also by other factors.
Quality of hygiene
Irregular hygiene causes the formation of tartar, which leads to the development of diseases of the gums and teeth. To avoid having to treat teeth during pregnancy, it is necessary to pay special attention to oral hygiene. Have a professional cleaning every 3 months, and use additional means of hygiene at home – rinses, irrigators, and flossing
Stress
It’s no secret that pregnant women are very emotional and sensitive and can be upset by any little thing. During stress, there is a release of the hormone cortisol, which reduces immunity. Because of this, the development of germs in the mouth is accelerated.
Heredity
Cavities in pregnant women and other dental problems often arise due to genetic predisposition, it is a proven fact. Therefore, if the older generation in your family suffered from tooth decay, try to pay more attention to your teeth, especially if you are expecting a new baby
Can I get my teeth treated during pregnancy?
Of course, you can. Moreover, it is necessary, if you have not managed to solve all dental problems before pregnancy. During this period, any infection can have a bad effect on the health of your baby. When pregnant, you need to treat even a small cavity as soon as possible, as there is a risk that the disease will develop quickly and the infection will spread through the blood throughout the body.
Optimal Timing for dental treatment in pregnant women
The 2nd trimester is considered the most favorable period for dental treatment during pregnancy. At this time, it is safe to prevent caries, fill teeth, and even place crowns. In the earliest stage of pregnancy, you can treat teeth only in case of an emergency, for example, in case of severe pain. In the 3rd trimester, dental treatment is not recommended, because the body is severely weakened and may react badly to such procedures.
What should pregnant women do in case of an acute toothache?
Sharp toothache is quite common during pregnancy. However, if in a normal situation, you can take a tablet of painkillers, then a woman in the position needs to solve the problem more delicately.
The first thing to do when you have a toothache is to call your dentist and make an appointment. If you can’t go to the dentist, you can:
Rinse your mouth
A weak solution of soda or salt is suitable, as well as decoctions of mint, sage, chamomile, and oak bark. Gargling is only effective if repeated every hour.
Drink the medicine
Call your dentist to find out what medications you are allowed. If there are no individual contraindications, you can drink ibuprofen, no-shpa, or spasmalgon. These drugs are completely harmless for pregnant women and will relieve toothache for a couple of hours.
Under no circumstances should you heat the sore spot, as this will lead to more inflammation and possibly the appearance of flux. If you have a toothache, see your dentist immediately to avoid complications.
Dental fillings for pregnant women
If a pregnant woman has cavities, the tooth must always be treated and filled, otherwise, there is no way to prevent the infection from spreading. The same with pulpitis, the nerve is removed and the root canals and tooth are carefully filled. This ensures that your tooth remains intact and healthy.
Can pregnant women have dental treatment with anesthesia?
Dental treatment during pregnancy is performed with a safe local anesthetic. The most commonly used are Ubistezil and Ultracaine, they have a reduced concentration of vasoconstrictor and do not penetrate the placental barrier.
If you first go to the dentist when you are pregnant, be sure to tell him about your pregnancy and your due date. This is very important because pregnant women need a special approach and selection of anesthesia, the doctor must consider your condition when choosing the method of treatment.
Tooth extraction in pregnant women
If treatment has failed and the tooth can no longer be saved, it must be extracted to remove the focus of infection. Usually, doctors try to postpone tooth extraction to the second trimester, when it is safer for the pregnant woman. However, in emergencies, tooth extraction is performed at any stage. X-rays are always taken prior to the procedure, and dental treatment during pregnancy is performed under local anesthesia.
X-rays of pregnant women’s teeth
You need not be afraid of X-rays because MediLine Clinic uses only modern digital equipment for diagnostics. The image taken with a visiograph is completely safe for children and expectant mothers.
Dental prosthetics for pregnant women
Prosthodontics during pregnancy has no contraindications. This procedure will not harm you or your baby. However, crowns or veneers can only be placed on your teeth or an implant placed before pregnancy. The implant procedure itself is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Oral Care
To keep your teeth beautiful and strong both during and after pregnancy, proper care is necessary:
Brush your teeth twice a day for at least five minutes
Consider additional hygiene aids, such as irrigators, floss, and mono-floss brushes.
Rinse your mouth after each meal to prevent food debris from attracting germs.
Have professional hygiene and re-mineralizing treatments once every trimester
Still, have questions? Ask us.
Pregnancy dental treatment is already a standard procedure in many clinics, and DMC Tour Dentistry is no exception. Our doctors will surround you with care and help you maintain the beauty of your smile. If you still have questions about whether dental treatment is safe for pregnant women you can call our specialists at +90 532 421 74 50
If you still have questions, email us.
We will definitely answer you within one day!
