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Dr. Saima Sultana B.D.S (RU), P.G.T. in Conservative Dentistry (BSMMU), BMDC REG No: 4756
SAIMA'S DENTAL CLINIC
33-KA Pipe Road (Mirhajirbug), P.O: Gendariya, P.S: Shyampur. Dhaka-1204. Bangladesh.
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Oromax Dental Care (Samad Supar Market, Jattrabari)

+8801670046264

dr.saimanoman@gmail.com

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Pregnancy And Oral Health

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Pregnancy And Oral Health

Oral health is a concern for every individual. However, it is an even greater concern for pregnant women as they are more susceptible to oral problems. During pregnancy, the levels of estrogen keep on changing in the body. This change in levels of estrogen causes tooth decay and several other dental problems.

Common dental problems in pregnant women
Though the overall oral health is at risk during pregnancy, pregnant women are susceptible to certain dental conditions. Some of the dental problems that pregnant women may deal with are given below.

Gingivitis
Gingivitis refers to infection of the gums. During pregnancy, the gums tend to become swollen and sensitive. Sometimes, the gums may also bleed. This happens as a result of high progesterone and estrogen levels in the body. Typically, gingivitis begins during the second month of pregnancy and stays till the eighth month.

Pregnancy epulis
Pregnancy epulis is a lump that appears on the gum. This lump is pink and red in color and is connected to the gum via a narrow stem. It comprises of irregular nodules that may be accompanied with severe itching and irritation. Typically, a surgical procedure is required to remove the pregnancy epulis.

Granuloma
This is a swelling in the gum but it is not as painful as pregnancy epulis. Granuloma is tender to touch and can be treated with the help of surgery only.

 Treating dental problems during pregnancy
Generally, dental problems can be treated appropriately with the help of a dentist. However, the treatment is not as simple in the case of pregnant women. Extra precautions need to be taken to treat dental problems in pregnant women. This is because the health of the fetus is an issue.

It is for this reason that dentists avoid fillings or medications that may be required for periodontal disease. Anesthesia is not given to pregnant patients. The usual painkillers are not prescribed to pregnant women during the dental treatment. Only medically approved painkillers are used to treat the problem.

X-rays are also avoided especially during the first trimester. However, in some cases taking an X ray becomes inevitable. In such cases, the doctor covers the patient's body and the area of the womb before taking the X ray. This shields the fetus. Also, dental X rays usually subject the patient to radiations for a very short time, so the risk of any effects to the patient gets significantly reduced.

Amalgam fillings are also avoided during pregnancy. This is because amalgam fillings contain mercury, which is toxic and can harm the health of the fetus. Some dentists believe that this toxic mercury may enter the blood stream, which could lead to unfavorable birth defects in the unborn baby.

Thus, it is necessary for pregnant women to take extra care of their oral health and avoid these dental problems in the first place.