Why dental care is important during pregnancy?

It's important to take good care of your teeth and gums during pregnancy. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase the risk of developing gum disease, which in turn can affect the health of the developing baby. One way to prevent tooth decay in young children is to improve the oral health of pregnant women. Pregnancy May Make Women More Likely to Suffer Periodontal (Gum) Disease and Cavities.

Oral health can be considered an important part of prenatal care, since poor oral health during pregnancy can lead to poor health outcomes for mother and baby. Protect Tiny Teethexternal icon includes a combination of eye-catching materials to raise awareness that oral health should be part of prenatal care, and tips on how pregnant women and new mothers can protect their oral health and the oral health of their babies. According to spokesperson at Compton and Broomhead Dental Center, "To maintain oral and dental health throughout life, effective and appropriate care is essential. For women, dental care is much more important during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopausal periods".

Oral Health During Pregnancy: Preventing Dental Problems and Complications

Pregnancy is not a pathological condition, but a sign of health. A healthy person is not expected to lose their teeth for no reason. The same rules apply to pregnant women. If you take some simple precautions, you won't have tooth loss or other dental problems.

However, mothers are known to face tooth decay and gum problems during pregnancy. Due to poor oral health during pregnancy, pregnant women may experience premature birth, a low birth weight baby, preeclampsia, ulcerations of the gum tissue, granuloma of pregnancy, gingivitis, pregnancy tumors (epulis gravidarum), loose teeth, dry mouth, and dental erosions. Changes in hormone levels in pregnancy directly affect gum problems and, indirectly, tooth decay (1,2,3,4,5,. Pregnancy can cause dental problems in some women, such as gum disease and tooth decay.

Understanding the Importance of Oral Health Care During Pregnancy for Mothers and Children

During Pregnancy, Hormones Affect Gums and Teeth. Doctors, Dentists, and Patients Often Avoid and Misunderstand Oral Health Care During Pregnancy. Evidence-based practical guidelines are still being developed. Research suggests that some prenatal oral conditions may have adverse consequences for the child.

Periodontitis is associated with preterm birth and low birth weight, and high levels of cariogenic bacteria in mothers can cause increased tooth decay in the baby. Other oral lesions, such as gingivitis and pregnancy tumors, are benign and require only peace of mind and control. All pregnant women should be screened for oral hazards, advised on proper oral hygiene, and referred for dental treatment.

dental procedures

, such as diagnostic x-ray, periodontal treatment, restorations, and extractions, are safe and best performed during the second trimester.

Oral Health Care During Pregnancy: Prevention, Treatment, and Counseling

Xylitol and chlorhexidine can be used as adjunctive therapy for high-risk mothers in the early postpartum period to reduce transmission of cariogenic bacteria to their babies. Proper dental care and prevention during pregnancy can reduce poor prenatal outcomes and decrease childhood tooth decay. Counseling should include reinforcing routine maintenance of oral health, such as limiting sugary foods and beverages, brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and visiting the dentist twice a year. To manage dental pain, acetaminophen (FDA pregnancy category B), ibuprofen (Motrin; FDA pregnancy category B first and second trimester, category D third trimester), and limited use of oxycodone (roxicodone; FDA pregnancy category B first and second trimester, category D third trimester) trimester) are appropriate according to gestational stage.

Dental and obstetric teams can play a role in helping women initiate and maintain oral health care during pregnancy to improve oral hygiene habits and lifelong eating behavior for women and their families. Patients often need to be assured that the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral conditions, including dental x-rays (with protection of the abdomen and thyroid) and local anesthesia (lidocaine with or without epinephrine), are safe during pregnancy. The greatest burden of oral disease is found in disadvantaged and poor populations, where there is a considerable unmet need for dental care. Visiting your dentist will allow you to assess your current oral health and draw up a dental plan for the rest of your pregnancy.

Oral Health Care during Pregnancy: Importance, Prevalence, and Best Practices

According to data from the 10-state Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System postpartum survey, 56% of mothers did not receive dental care and 60% did not clean their teeth during their most recent pregnancy. Advise women that oral health care improves women's overall health through their life expectancy and can also reduce the transmission of oral bacteria that can cause tooth decay from mother to her babies. As a result, routine overnight brushing and flossing can be omitted, in addition to regular dental visits. As part of routine counseling, healthcare providers should encourage all women to schedule a dental exam if it has been more than 6 months since their last exam or if they have an oral health problem. The effectiveness of endocarditis prophylaxis among patients undergoing dental procedures has been controversial according to published studies.

Protect Tiny Teeth includes a combination of eye-catching materials to raise awareness that oral health should be part of prenatal care and tips on how to protect your babies' oral health. Reinforce routine maintenance of oral health, such as limiting sugary foods and beverages, brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and visiting the dentist twice a year. Reassure patients that the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral conditions, including dental x-rays (with protection of the abdomen and thyroid) and local anesthesia (lidocaine with or without epinephrine), are safe during pregnancy. ..

Cornelius Konczak
Cornelius Konczak

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