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Why should a pregnant woman see a dentist?
- The medical myth that a pregnant woman does not need dental care and that she must stoically suffer from toothache has long been demystified. Dentists used to refuse to treat a pregnant woman due to the risk of teratogenicity and fetotoxicity. According to the studies below, teratogenicity can result from the third to the eighth week after conception, and fetotoxicity only towards the end of the last trimester of pregnancy.
- Untreated pregnancy gingivitis and/ or periodontitis are correlated to premature birth or low birth weight babies.
- The minimally invasive Happydent Family procedures applied to juniors are the safe guarantee of emergency treatment and pain relief.
- Counseling on foods/ fluoridated cavity prevention nutritional supplements since pregnancy is a common practice in developed countries.
Any woman who is planning to conceive a child should visit the dentist’s office to solve any dental disorders and reduce the risk of infections. Much is said about the taboo of avoiding dental treatments during pregnancy. Many women wonder whether they can see the dentist during the nine months of pregnancy for fear of not placing the fetus at risk.
Scientifically, however, the approach to pregnant women has changed. Dental care is an important aspect and it is recommended that a pregnant woman should go to the dentist. Routine check-ups and other dental procedures do not pose any risk to the fetus. Due to the high level of pregnancy hormones, some dental problems can occur in some pregnant women, such as bleeding gums and cavities. Pregnant gingivitis, for example, is a common condition that affects many pregnant women. Symptoms range from mild inflammation to severe changes in volume, intense pain and bleeding, and loss of the pregnant woman’s teeth during pregnancy. Pregnant gingivitis can be prevented by having educated and excellent hygiene, as well as by having regular dental check-ups. Also, all other routine treatments can be treated by our team selectively and according to the pregnancy trimester of the pregnant woman with beneficial effects on the mother’s quality of life as well as on the baby’s. Studies of Hungarian researchers on pregnant women (Gorzo Istvan, Pal Attila, Novak Tibor, and co.2008) revealed that pregnant women with untreated teeth or periodontium gave birth prematurely or gave birth to low birth weight babies as compared to the pregnant women in good oral health condition who belonged to a control group.
Pain episodes and dental infections should be permanently avoided, not only during pregnancy. Unfortunately, beyond the prophylactic measures that we apply, we may sometimes end up in the unpleasant and embarrassing situation associated with these symptoms.
Fighting toothache during pregnancy
We may have toothaches for various reasons. To relieve pain safely and effectively we must find the cause of its occurrence. The dentist can decide on the problem through specific means of diagnosis. Sometimes the type and intensity of pain informs on the cause and can range from the fairly common discomfort associated with “sensitive teeth” to the acute and violent pain that is usually a sign of illness or trauma.
When the pregnant woman complains of gingival bleeding and hypersensitivity during brushing, the option of using a toothpaste specially designed for sensitive teeth which helps prevent gingival inflammation may be helpful. Replacement of your regular toothbrush with a softer one with natural fiber may also be useful in order to minimize gum pain and bleeding. However, it is a good idea to seek the advice of your dentist to make sure that the problem does not worsen.
The pain sometimes comes against the background of pregnancy tumors, neglected gingivitis, or periodontitis. Special care must be taken to avoid the spread of infections in the body during pregnancy.
If toothache occurs due to advanced cavities, infections, gangrene, dental fractures, etc., it can be of high intensity. It is good to know that, in these cases, the dentist can choose a treatment that does not affect the baby, relieving the pain by administering analgesic drugs or by local treatment.
- Local dental treatments consist of applying soothing dressings, performing endodontic drainage, and incision of the abscess.
- Painkillers and anesthetics are administered only with the consent of the obstetrician and only if absolutely necessary. Lidocaine and prilocaine are among the permitted substances. It is vital for the pregnant woman to understand that many known medications, which are normally given without a prescription, such as ordinary aspirin or ibuprofen, are not recommended during pregnancy due to the increased risk of bleeding; codeine should be used with extreme caution because it can cause respiratory depression; diazepam is not permitted under any circumstances. Therefore, during pregnancy, it is crucial not to take any medication without the doctor’s prescription, even if you feel that it is “harmless”.
Dental infections and antibiotics during pregnancy
Under no circumstances should infection be neglected during this period. The expectant mother is also responsible for the health of her fetus, and untreated infections can spread, putting the pregnancy at risk. If you have had a dental infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics that are considered relatively safe – ampicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, spiramycin, etc. But there are many antibiotics to be avoided: remember to inform your dentist that you are pregnant! Tetracycline, gentamicin, kanamycin, norfloxacin, etc are among the banned antibiotics.
When can dental interventions be performed?
In the first trimester of pregnancy, when the development of the fetal organs takes place, dental interventions should be avoided, while the second trimester is the most indicated period.
Acute dental disorders are those that need to be performed, and dental crowns, dental implants, or whitening treatments should be postponed until after birth.
Can dental x-rays be taken?
Even dental x-rays can be taken during pregnancy, but with great caution. However, they should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Dental extractions can also be done, but such dental treatment should be avoided in the first three months of pregnancy and in the last month. Only certain types of anesthetics are used. the adrenaline-based ones are not recommended. In contrast, lidocaine, the most commonly used anesthetic, poses no risk to the fetus.
Study No. 1.
J N J Dent Assoc. 2014 Winter;85 (1):11-4.
Why is dental treatment of the gravid patient regarded with caution? When is the appropriate time for care – be it emergent or routine – in the gravid patient? Robinson BJ, Boyce RA.
Abstract
There are myths surrounding pregnancy and the oral cavity, such as, “having a baby causes your gums to swell and your teeth to weaken,” or “I don’t need to see a dentist, there’s nothing wrong with my teeth” or “with each child say bye to a tooth or two.” All these myths are just that, myths. During pregnancy, women may experience pregnancy gingivitis or may suffer from pre-existing periodontal disease. The myth of tooth loss during pregnancy, according to the ADA (American Dental Association), has “no histological, chemical or radiographic evidence to support [it]”. The biggest myth or misconception is that dental care is unnecessary during pregnancy, and until problems arise, some gravid women draw back from seeking dental treatment. Also, professionals sometimes shy away from care of the gravid patient for reasons associated with teratogenicity and fetotoxicity. Teratogenic effects take place from three to eight weeks after conception, and fetotoxicity can occur at the latter end of the initial trimester on to delivery, according to Donaldson and Goodchild, authors of Pregnancy, breast-feeding and drugs used in dentistry in JADA’s (The Journal of the American Dental Association) August, 2012 issue. This article includes reasons dental treatment is regarded with caution; therefore, appropriate timing of dental care and suggested clinical recommendations as they relate to the pregnant patient are reviewed. Committee Opinion No. 569: oral health care during pregnancy and through the lifespan.
Study No. 2.
Committee Opinion No. 569: oral health care during pregnancy and through the lifespan.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Women’s Health Care Physicians; Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women.
Abstract
Oral health is an important component of general health and should be maintained during pregnancy and through a woman’s lifespan. Maintaining good oral health may have a positive effect on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other disorders. In 2007-2009, 35% of U.S. women reported that they did not have a dental visit within the past year and 56% of women did not visit a dentist during pregnancy. Access to dental care is directly related to income level; the poorest women are least likely to have received dental care. Optimal maternal oral hygiene during the perinatal period may decrease the amount of caries-producing oral bacteria transmitted to the infant during common parenting behavior, such as sharing spoons. Although some studies have shown a possible association between periodontal infection and preterm birth, evidence has failed to show any improvement in outcomes after dental treatment during pregnancy. Nonetheless, these studies did not raise any concern about the safety of dental services during pregnancy. To potentiate general health and well-being, women should routinely be counseled about the maintenance of good oral health habits throughout their lives as well as the safety and importance of oral health care during pregnancy.
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