How does pregnancy affect oral health?

It is a mis-belief that calcium loss from maternal teeth during pregnancy and that the mother will lose one tooth in each pregnancy. However, it is a fact that there will be some changes in oral health during pregnancy. The most important change is the increase in estrogen and progesterone hormone levels, which is related to the increase in plaque accumulation on the teeth.

If the plaque is not removed, it causes gingivitis. This condition is called "pregnancy gingivitis". The gingivas are red, increased in volume, sensitive and bleeding. This mostly affects the majority of pregnant women in the 2nd trimester, with varying severity. If gingivitis is already present, it may increase in severity during pregnancy and progress to periodontitis if left untreated. Pregnant women are also at risk of developing a "pregnancy tumor". These are inflammatory lesions caused by the irritation of the gingival growths. Although it is usually left on its own, if it causes discomfort to the patient or prevents chewing, brushing and other oral care, it should be removed by the dentist.

How can problems developing during pregnancy be prevented?

Gingivitis can be prevented by effective care and cleaning of teeth. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day and, where possible, after each meal. All teeth should be cleaned with dental floss every day. If brushing teeth in the morning is uncomfortable, the mouth should be rinsed with water or anti-plaque and fluoride mouthwash. Along with a balanced diet, vitamin C and B12 supplements are also important for maintaining oral health. More frequent visits to the dentist also prevent the development of gingivitis by providing effective plaque control. Ensuring plaque control also reduces gingival irritation and the risk of pregnancy tumors.

When should she go to the dentist?

If pregnancy is planned or if pregnancy is suspected, the dentist should be visited. Cleaning is appropriate in the first 3 months. The dentist will prepare a treatment schedule for the remainder of the pregnancy. In the second 3 months, after evaluating the changes in the oral tissues and the effectiveness of oral care, re-cleaning may be recommended. Depending on the situation, appointments can be made again in the third trimester, but all these sessions should be as short as possible.

Are there any procedures that should not be done during pregnancy?

Generally, non-urgent procedures can also be done during pregnancy. However, the best time for any dental treatment is between the 4th and 6th months. In emergency situations accompanied by severe pain, treatment can be done at any time during pregnancy. In cases that require anesthesia and medication, a gynecologist should be contacted. The procedures that can be postponed should be left until after birth.

Is dental x-ray harmful during pregnancy?

If it is very necessary for treatment during this period, 1-2 films can be taken inside the mouth. Although the amount of radiation given in dental x-rays is very low and not very close to the abdominal area, a lead apron must be used to prevent the developing baby from receiving radiation. Still, filming should be avoided for the first three months.

Do teeth decay more quickly during pregnancy?

As stated before, the belief that "calcium is removed from the teeth of the mother during pregnancy and therefore each baby will cause a tooth lost to the mother" is absolutely not true. The deterioration of the balance in the body during pregnancy creates an environment suitable for the rapid decay of the teeth. The reasons for the teeth to decay more quickly in this period are as follows;

• During the baby's feeding period, excessive cravings for sweets and junk food appear and brushing is neglected after eating them.
• After vomiting in the first months, the mother may not pay enough attention to oral care.
• The mother, whose gingivas bleed more quickly due to the effect of pregnancy hormones (estrogen, progertron), avoids brushing her teeth. For these reasons, it is necessary to pay more attention to dental health during this period.

Are there any measures to be taken for baby's dental health?

The baby's dental development begins in the mother's womb. During this period, the mother should pay attention to a balanced diet both for her own health and for the dental development of her baby. For dental health, protein, vitamin A (meat, milk, eggs, yellow vegetables and fruits), vitamin C (citrus, tomato, strawberry), vitamin D (meat, milk, egg, fish) and calcium (milk and dairy products, green leafy Foods rich in vegetables should be taken adequately. In addition, unconscious drug use should be avoided. The drugs used may negatively affect the baby's dental health as well as the general body development. Being knowledgeable about baby's dental health is the first step for your child to have healthy teeth for a lifetime. Get information about baby's dental care and nutrition.

I was on antibiotics when I was pregnant. Will my baby's teeth be affected?

We stated that unconscious drug use should be avoided during this period. However, it is a mis-belief that every antibiotic used causes staining on the baby's teeth. The antibiotic group that causes discoloration on teeth is "tetracyclines". It has not been proven that antibiotics other than this cause coloration.