Expectant Mothers’ Dental Care

Why is it important to go to the dentist if you are planning to get pregnant? What should be done?
As certain tests are done to prepare the body for pregnancy before getting pregnant, necessary dental treatments must also be performed by consulting a dentist. It is a known fact that oral and dental care has enormous effect on our general health. Hence, to maintain both your own health and that of your baby, dental care is highly important before pregnancy. After a detailed examination, we use x-rays if it is necessary and prepare our patients for pregnancy with ideal dental health. After diagnosing gum diseases and tooth decays, we treat all the teeth which have the possibility of causing problems during pregnancy.  We recommend the removal of wisdom teeth which are yet to appear. We inform our patients in detail about what should be or shouldn’t be done during this period and if they are necessary, we implement what we call preventive medicine such as scaling and applying fissure sealants.

Which periods are the most convenient times for dental treatments? Why?
Second trimester is the most convenient time for many treatments such as tooth removals, fillings, root canal treatments etc. whose treatment cannot be delayed after labor.

The first three months of pregnancy is the stage of organ development of the fetus. A bacterium which appears in mouth in this stage may affect fetal development negatively and unnecessary treatments may result in miscarriage. However, in case of removal and root canal treatment of painful teeth which may cause serious damages if not treated, expectant mothers should go to the dentist without a moment’s hesitation.

In third trimester, fetus will have dramatically grown and labor will be approaching. Mother cannot sit on dental chair comfortably and excessive stress may cause early labor. As in the first trimester, dentists do not intervene except for immediate treatments.

Is there any harm of dental x-rays during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, if treatment is necessary, 1-2 radiographs can be taken. Although radiation levels are very low in dental x-rays and x-rays are not close to the abdominal region, lead aprons must be worn in order to protect the fetus from x-rays. Also, you should abstain from x-rays during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Can anesthesia be used during pregnancy?
Anesthesia can be applied by using special anesthetic solutions in order to prevent occurrence of pain and in order to perform all kinds of treatments.

Does the risk of tooth decays increase during pregnancy?
In the early stages of pregnancy, due to severe nausea and vomiting, oral environment becomes more acidic and due to the same reason, oral care becomes difficult. Thus, teeth may become more prone to decays.

Are tooth losses seen during pregnancy?
Contrary to general belief, pregnancy does not cause tooth losses. Tooth losses during pregnancy are not caused by pregnancy itself but insufficient oral care or previous dental problems.

There is a common belief that gum diseases advance with each pregnancy. Is it true? If it is, can it be prevented?
It is certainly not true. Gingivitis (inflammatory gum disease) can be prevented with only effective dental care. Teeth must be brushed at least twice a day, shortly after each meal if it is possible. They must also be cleaned with tooth floss every day. If brushing the teeth causes discomfort in the mornings, mouth must be rinsed with water and anti-plaque mouthwashes which contain fluoride.

How does nutrition affect mouth and dental health during pregnancy?
As well as a balanced diet, vitamin C and B12 intakes are important to maintain dental health. Visiting the dentist more often, which provides an effective control of plaque accumulation, would prevent the advancement of gingivitis.

You can get an appointment from Dt. İmren Hocaoğlu in DentGroup Bağdat Caddesi for expectant mothers’ dental care.