Dental Checkup during pregnancy is necessary to ensure the complete oral health of the mother and the child. However, cosmetic dentistry should be postponed if possible. The second trimester is ideal to get done with dental procedures.
Pregnancy may not necessarily damage your teeth but can take a huge toll on your oral health. Following are some of the dental issues that can get prominent during pregnancy:
- Gingivitis
- Increased risk of tooth decay
- Pyogenic granuloma
A report by the American Dental Association Council on Access Prevention, Interprofessional Relations stated that approximately 60% to 75% of pregnant women have gingivitis.
The reason for all these issues may not be poor oral hygiene but elevated levels of hormones. The morning sickness accompanied by vomiting which is very prominent in pregnancy can soften the ring of muscle supposed to keep the food inside the stomach resulting in gastric flux coating teeth with stomach acid.
Here is a list of childbirth complications that can be set in motion due to poor oral hygiene:
- Premature birth: 18 out of every 100 premature births may be triggered by periodontal disease (a chronic infection can damage the gum and can even destroy the jawbone).
- Low birth weight: It can be triggered by dental caries and enamel defects.
- Poor eyesight and hearing.
- Pregnancy epulis: A localized enlargement of the gum which may cause bleeding.
Pediatricians lay strong emphasis on acquiring proper dental care during pregnancy. Following are some dental care tips to be considered for a pregnant woman:
- Inform your dentist about all the medications you have been taking.
- Follow up with a fluoridated mouthwash.
- Increase your calcium intake.
- Postpone elective treatments.
- Bring headphones and some music for your dental visit.
The best dentist in Panchkula Dr. Sanjay Kalra believes that preventing oral health issues with the mother during pregnancy can result in better oral health of the child and thus should be promoted.