The effect of pregnancy on the teeth
Pregnant women should take more care of their teeth, because hormonal and physical changes in their body can have an effect on their teeth. One of the most common problems during pregnancy is inflammation of the gum, which occurs due to the increase in hormone levels. Your gum my feel sensitive, it can bleed, and you can develop a bad breath. Inflammation of the gum is caused by the accumulation of plaque and the bacteria in it, which can reach the baby through the placenta and interfere with the proper development of the baby in the womb. Therefore, proper oral hygiene during pregnancy is essential. The unpleasant symptoms can have a direct or indirect effect on the baby’s health. With proper oral hygiene you can prevent gum inflammation, bleeding or tooth decay. Brush your teeth regularly, and use floss and oral rinses to prevent unpleasant symptoms.
Pregnant women at the dentist
When you are pregnant, visit your dentist regularly. However, major dental interventions must be delayed until your baby has been born. Tooth whitening, for example, should be performed after birth. Scaling is not recommended until the second trimester.
What kind of anaesthetics can be used during pregnancy?
Sometimes we cannot postpone dental treatment and you need local anaesthesia. Ultracain is a safe pain killer during pregnancy. Antibiotics might also be necessary to prevent or treat infections.
X-ray during pregnancy
Although modern X-ray machines are very safe and release minimal doses of radiation onto a focused area, we recommend postponing X-ray exams that are not urgent.
Oral hygiene at home
What can pregnant women do to maintain good oral health? A balanced diet and good oral hygiene are essential. Brush your teeth after each meal and before going to bed. Use a tooth brush with fine bristles to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes. You can also use a mouth rinse, but without brushing your teeth mouth rinses are ineffective. Brush your teeth thoroughly and use the rinse after that. Make sure you have a tooth brush with you where ever you go, so that you can brush your teeth after each meal.
Balanced diet for healthy teeth
Pregnant women might have a sudden crash for salty or sweet food. However, these foods increase the acid level, attack the enamel and lead to tooth decay. Try to avoid salty and sweat foods and consume foods that are rich in vitamins, fibres and protein. Thus you can protect your teeth.
What to do if you vomit?
You may often experience nausea and vomiting during the first few months of pregnancy. It can be harmful for your teeth, because the acid from your stomach attacks the enamel and increases the risk of tooth decay. Pregnant women may feel nauseated even at the thought of their tooth brush or when they brush their teeth. Try to use a tooth brush with a smaller head, or a brush designed for children. If you vomit, wait 10 minutes before brushing teeth. You can rinse your mouth with a mouth wash to decrease the bad taste in your mouth. In the morning brush your teeth after breakfast, do not brush your teeth on an empty stomach. If you cannot tolerate tooth paste, use a fluoride mouth wash.
If your tooth breaks, you feel pain or notice any sign of inflammation, make an appointment with us at Fehér Dent Aesthetic dental Clinic at 22 Fülemüle street, Szeged. We take special care of pregnant women.
