Oral health determines the presence of secondary problems in a person’s body. Infections in the teeth or other oral diseases are closely related to kidney problems, arthritis and many other ailments.
Pregnant women are more likely to have oral problems that reflect on their bodies and those of their developing children.
In this sense, many studies state that there is a close relationship between periodontal disease and low birth weight and smaller size of babies. Also in premature births, before term.
However, further studies and research are needed to determine exactly how this disease affects gestation. Research has shown that this disease stimulates an increase in the level of fluids that induce labor.
Similarly, other research suggests that when a pregnant woman has periodontal disease and it worsens during the gestation process, the risk of not completing the gestation and having a premature delivery increases.
For this reason, to ensure that you will have a healthy, full-term pregnancy, it is important to visit your dentist early in your pregnancy. Preferably before you become pregnant, so that the dentist can give you a complete check-up and perform the necessary treatments before you become pregnant. You should be aware that during pregnancy there are greater requirements for nutrients.
Your teeth and gums in particular require more care, so it is essential to brush regularly, do it well and use dental floss.
The diet is very important that it is balanced so that it will provide you with the minerals and vitamins you require to take care of your teeth and gums. Don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly. This way you will reduce the risk of suffering the common dental problems in pregnancy.
Oral problems during pregnancy
Some of the oral disorders that occur in pregnancy are gingivitis of pregnancy or gestation. According to the studies carried out and the number of patients attended, dental plaque accumulates in the teeth. In general, it occurs in two out of three women.
This causes irritation of the gums, which become red, inflamed and bleed easily. This disease occurs frequently because the levels of hormones increase, especially estrogens and progestagens. Therefore, the gum overreacts to the presence of irritants in the dental plaque.
However, the increase in hormones does not in itself generate the inflammatory picture. A small amount of basic bacterial biofilm is also required for the inflammation to start. For this reason, gingivitis does not have many clinical differences with gingivitis produced by the presence of bacterial plaque alone. Except for inducing inflammation.
Although pregnancy, by itself, does not cause gingivitis, almost 50% of women who present this pathology before pregnancy worsen their periodontal health during pregnancy. They even develop periodontitis. It is mainly caused by fluctuations in the levels of estrogen and progesterone.
In addition, changes in the oral microbiota and the decrease in the immune response during pregnancy.
It is also possible that Epulis of pregnancy may occur. Epulis of pregnancy is an ulcer that presents itself as an aggravated response to inflammation called epulis of pregnancy. Epulis of pregnancy is a benign lump that tends to disappear after the required treatment is applied. It should be noted that it should only be surgically removed if it hinders the process of chewing or oral hygiene.
Therefore it is necessary to keep the teeth very clean, as well as the gum and the edge between the tooth and the gum to avoid this problem. This helps to prevent the appearance of gingivitis and the discomfort it causes. It is also advisable to avoid consuming sweets or candies.
Dentist visits during pregnancy
The first thing you should do when you make your dental appointment is to tell the dentist that you are pregnant. It is best to schedule visits between the fourth and sixth month of pregnancy. The first three months of pregnancy are when you should be the most careful. They are the most important months for the baby’s development and it is not advisable to have any complications.
Therefore, during that first trimester of pregnancy it is not convenient to prescribe some treatments and exams. Such as x-rays, painkillers, or antibiotics, especially tetracycline. It is also counterproductive to remain seated for a long time in the dentist’s chair. Besides being tired, it can cause cramps and other discomforts.
In any case, if you need to make an emergency visit to the dentist, inform the doctor on call or your state’s personal dentist. This way you will take the necessary precautions to take care of it. When you arrive at the hospital, provide complete information about your medical history, possible losses or abortions, treatments and medicines you have prescribed, among others of interest.
Likewise, the dentist will communicate with your OB/GYN before starting any treatment you require. If you have any doubts or concerns about the importance of the treatment, please discuss them with your dentist and obstetrician before deciding to do so. Remember not to exceed the recommended dose in any treatment prescribed by the dentist.