Dental Treatment During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most special and sensitive periods in a woman’s life. During this period, the mother’s body goes through many physiological and hormonal changes to adapt to the development of the baby. Increased estrogen and progesterone levels can directly affect not only general health but also oral and dental health. Sensitivity, bleeding and inflammation in the gums are among the common problems encountered during this period. In addition, the risk of tooth decay increases due to changing eating habits, increased sweet consumption and nausea.
Considering all these, it is necessary to pay more attention to dental health than ever during pregnancy. However, many expectant mothers have concerns about whether dental treatments are safe during this period. Which dental treatments can be done safely during pregnancy? Which ones should be postponed until after birth because they carry risks?
Why Dental Health is Important During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the increase in estrogen and progesterone hormones in particular can cause sensitivity and swelling in the gums. This condition is known as “pregnancy gingivitis” and can show symptoms such as bleeding, redness and swelling in the gums. If the necessary precautions are not taken, gum disease can progress and lead to tooth loss.
In addition, eating habits can also change during pregnancy. In particular, the craving for sweets can increase, which can pave the way for tooth decay. In addition, if vomiting increases due to morning sickness, stomach acid can damage tooth enamel. Therefore, extra attention should be paid to oral and dental care during pregnancy.
Can Dental Treatment Be Performed During Pregnancy?
It is very important to take extra care of dental health during pregnancy. During this period, the gums become more sensitive due to hormonal changes, and problems such as swelling and bleeding may occur. In addition, changing eating habits and increased sweet consumption during pregnancy can increase the risk of tooth decay. For this reason, expectant mothers should go to regular dental check-ups and receive treatment when necessary.
Many people wonder whether it is harmful to have dental treatment during pregnancy. In fact, dental treatments can be performed safely during certain periods of pregnancy. For example, procedures such as dental cleaning, filling and root canal treatment can be performed without any risk, especially during the second trimester (between 4-6 months). However, unless there is an emergency, surgical procedures such as tooth extraction are usually postponed until after birth.
When undergoing dental treatment during pregnancy, attention should be paid to certain practices such as x-rays. Since the digital x-ray devices used today emit very low radiation, the shots can be taken using a lead apron. However, in order not to take unnecessary risks, it is recommended to postpone the x-ray until after birth unless there is an emergency.
Caution should also be exercised when using painkillers and antibiotics. While there are safe medications that can be used during pregnancy, there are also medications that can harm the baby. Therefore, no medication other than those recommended by the doctor should be used for any reason.
What Dental Treatments Are Applied During Pregnancy
Dental treatment can be performed during pregnancy, but timing is important in some procedures. In general, non-urgent treatments can be postponed until after birth, while treatment is inevitable in cases that cause pain and infection. Here are the dental treatments that can be performed safely during pregnancy:
- Stone Cleaning
Stone cleaning is a procedure that can be performed safely during pregnancy. It is recommended to have a tooth cleaning at least once during pregnancy to prevent gum inflammation and control existing inflammations.
- Filling and Root Canal Treatment
If a tooth decay occurs during pregnancy and causes pain, you can consult your dentist and have a filling done. Longer procedures such as root canal treatment can be performed if there is a risk of infection, but it is recommended to perform it in the second trimester (between the 4th and 6th months of pregnancy) if possible.
- Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction can be done during pregnancy, but unless it is an emergency, it is better to postpone it until after birth. If extraction is necessary, it is safest to do it in the second trimester.
Local Anesthesia and X-Rays
Local anesthetics used in dental treatments are considered safe during pregnancy. However, your doctor must know that you are pregnant and the appropriate dose of anesthetic must be used.
X-rays should be avoided as much as possible during pregnancy. If absolutely necessary, the baby should be protected by using a lead apron and then X-rays should be taken by exposing the baby to a low dose in accordance with ALARA principles.
How to Protect Your Dental Health During Pregnancy?
It is important to follow the following recommendations to protect your dental health during pregnancy:
- Regular tooth brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, morning and evening. Using fluoride toothpaste will reduce the risk of cavities.
- Using dental floss: Use dental floss once a day to clean plaque that accumulates between your teeth.
- Balanced diet: Avoid sugary and acidic foods, consume calcium-rich milk and dairy products.
- Plenty of water consumption: Be sure to drink plenty of water to clean your mouth and prevent bacterial growth.
- Oral care after morning sickness: Instead of brushing your teeth immediately after vomiting, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acid in your mouth and then brush your teeth half an hour later.
- Regular dental check-ups: See a dentist at least once before and during your pregnancy.
Toothache During Pregnancy
Toothache during pregnancy is a common problem for expectant mothers. Due to hormonal changes, sensitivity and inflammation of the gums can occur, which can cause pain. In addition, increased sweet consumption during pregnancy and stomach acid damaging tooth enamel can increase the risk of cavities and cause pain.
To relieve toothache, it is necessary to first take care of your teeth and gum health. Regular tooth brushing, flossing and a healthy diet can help prevent pain. Gargling with warm salt water or applying a cold compress to the gums can also relieve pain. However, it is important to consult a dentist for severe and persistent pain.
