Is it possible to visit the dentist during pregnancy?

Some of the most important and frequently asked questions that arise during pregnancy are those that concern visits to doctors and taking medications, including visiting a dentist. Let's say right away - visiting a dentist during pregnancy is not only possible, but also necessary. Moreover, if one visit every six months is enough for all patients, then the expectant mother should visit the doctor at least once every three months.

What happens in the oral cavity of pregnant women

Why visit a dentist during pregnancy? A number of changes occur in the body of a pregnant woman that contribute to the appearance of caries. The main ones include:

• increased calcium consumption;
• changes in pH and saliva structure;
• changes in taste preferences;
• toxicosis.

Calcium and phosphorus are necessary for the full growth and development of the child. These elements are most needed at the stage of skeletal formation. The baby gets calcium from the mother's bones and teeth. As a result, the density of bone tissue and tooth enamel decreases.

The saliva of pregnant women contains less calcium and phosphorus, its pH shifts to the acidic side, and its bactericidal properties weaken. As a result, it takes more time to normalize the acid-base balance of the oral cavity, and tooth enamel is destroyed by bacteria and their waste products.

Expectant mothers very often consume a large amount of simple carbohydrates and little protein and dairy products. This also has an adverse effect on dental health. In addition, tooth enamel is destroyed by hydrochloric acid, which is thrown into the oral cavity from the stomach during morning vomiting.

All these factors contribute to gum inflammation, the development of caries and its complications. A timely examination by a dentist during pregnancy will help prevent such troubles.

Why pregnant women need a dentist

At first glance, it may seem that dental problems are not so serious, and their solution can wait until the birth of the child. In fact, this is far from the case.

Any inflammatory process in the mouth, even the most "harmless" caries, is an infectious focus. Pathogenic bacteria from it can spread throughout the body. As a result, complications arise with bearing a child, late toxicosis develops. After childbirth, when the body is very weakened, bacteria from the carious cavity can cause a number of infectious complications.

Gingivitis - inflammation of the gums - in pregnant women tends to be sluggish and long-term. The gums become bleeding, an unpleasant odor from the mouth appears. In the future, the changes will progress, and this is fraught with the development of periodontitis and periodontal disease.

It is extremely important for a pregnant woman to eat properly and fully. With decayed teeth, it is very difficult to chew food thoroughly. As a result, the baby will not receive enough nutrients.

The only way to prevent such a development of events during pregnancy is to visit the dentist.

When to see a doctor

Ideally, a woman should visit a dentist at the stage of pregnancy planning. The doctor will examine the patient, conduct the necessary additional studies and draw up a treatment plan. After completing the therapy, the woman will be able to plan conception without any obstacles.

The gynecologist will also recommend that the expectant mother undergo preventive examinations with a dentist. The first visit will take place during registration, the second - at 16-20 weeks, the third - at the beginning of the third trimester.

If the woman has been regularly monitoring her dental health, then during pregnancy the doctor will only select oral care products and teach the patient the rules of personal hygiene during the period of bearing a child. In advanced cases, the oral cavity will have to be sanitized. At the same time, in the early stages and in the last trimester, the dentist will only carry out urgently necessary measures. Planned treatment is best done in the second trimester.

What procedures are allowed for pregnant women

During pregnancy, a woman is allowed the following dental procedures:

• professional teeth cleaning;
• filling of carious cavities;
• prosthetics;
• bite correction.

Professional cleaning is painless and does not harm the future baby. Given the tendency of pregnant women to caries, cleaning is a mandatory procedure during the period of bearing a child.

Filling of carious cavities is preferably carried out without anesthesia. To avoid pain and discomfort, therapy should be started as early as possible, before the process spreads deep into the tooth.

Covering teeth with crowns, veneers or lumineers, installing removable dentures are quite safe procedures. They are not contraindicated for expectant mothers.

Correcting the bite takes quite a long time. Wearing braces or plates will not affect the child's condition, but the final decision should be made after consulting an orthodontist.

What to refrain from

The first thing that is strongly discouraged for pregnant women is an X-ray examination. X-rays are potentially harmful to a growing organism. X-rays or CT scans are performed on expectant mothers only in extreme cases. In this case, it is necessary to use a protective apron.

Another manipulation that should be avoided during pregnancy is anesthesia. However, if the doctor is faced with complicated caries or the need to remove a tooth, he may recommend pain relief. The doctor will definitely choose a safe drug and select the minimum effective dose.

Dental implantation is absolutely prohibited. This is a complex surgical intervention that is performed only on completely healthy patients. The procedure requires pain relief and medication, which can negatively affect the health of the baby. The same rule applies to tooth extraction.

Recommendations

To avoid possible dental health problems during pregnancy, follow these rules:

• carefully monitor oral hygiene - regularly use a toothbrush and toothpaste, dental floss and mouthwash;
• use special toothpastes containing fluoride and herbal extracts;
• review your diet - reduce the amount of sweets you eat;
• use mouthwash after vomiting.

Don't delay a visit to the dentist - timely treatment is much better tolerated.