Oral and dental health plays a role that affects all body systems in every period of life. However, there is a period for women when healthy teeth and gums are important both for themselves and for the babies they are preparing to take in their arms. Scientific studies reveal that the general health status of expectant mothers with gum disease is adversely affected.
Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital Oral and Dental Health Clinic, Gingival Specialist Dr. Melek Altan Koran; He draws attention to the fact that the risks of premature birth and low birth weight babies and preeclampsia, known as “pregnancy poisoning” among the public, may increase with gum diseases. Noting that gum diseases have negative effects on general health, it is necessary to take into account the diseases that will develop due to dental caries, Dr. Melek Altan Köran said, “The most important factor affecting oral and dental health during pregnancy is the oral hygiene of the mother. In cases where there is ideal care, both gingival and dental problems will be prevented. In addition, it is important that the diet during pregnancy is as healthy as possible and that foods and beverages that can cause cavities are avoided.
Dry mouth can increase cavities
There is a false belief among the public that teeth decay and lose teeth during pregnancy. Stating that the belief that the baby draws the calcium it needs from the mother's bones and teeth is wrong, Dr. Melek Altan Köran says the following about dental caries during pregnancy:
“There is no such thing as calcium withdrawal from the teeth during pregnancy. However, there are some reasons for the increase in caries. There may be an increase in caries due to the dry mouth that can be seen during pregnancy or the mother's failure to brush her teeth to avoid bleeding due to gum disease. At the same time, vomiting and increased acidity in the mouth, which can be seen especially in the early stages of pregnancy, may also contribute to this process.
Routine oral care protects gums
"Pregnancy gingivitis" is one of the leading gum problems that women may encounter during pregnancy. Explaining that the susceptibility to gum diseases increases due to rising hormone levels, suppressed mother's immune system and changes in oral flora, Dr. Melek Altan Köran said, “In 'pregnancy gingivitis' seen in this period, a more severe gum reaction against plaque, which is the main cause of gum disease, is seen. pregnancy gingivitis; It is a gum disease that manifests with redness, swelling, bleeding and gingival enlargement in the gums. This problem can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene. In a mother who has gingivitis, cleaning the teeth and establishing oral care routines will usually be sufficient for treatment.
The ideal period for treatment is between the 3rd and 6th months.
So, how should dental treatment be planned during pregnancy? Which procedures, how and in what period of pregnancy can be performed in mandatory cases? Noting that the general approach is to leave the treatments that can be postponed until after the birth, Dr. Melek Altan Köran answers these questions as follows:
“There may be some restrictions on treatments to protect the health of the mother and baby. However, when necessary, the oral health of the mother can be protected with appropriate interventions. The most suitable period for dental treatments during pregnancy is the period between the 3rd and 6th months of pregnancy. During this period, fillings, root canal treatments and tooth extractions can be performed under local anesthesia. Tooth surface cleaning, which may be necessary for the treatment of gum diseases that can be seen during pregnancy, can be done at any time of pregnancy. Antibiotic treatment can be applied to support dental treatments when necessary, taking into account the health of the baby and mother. In such a case, the dentist chooses antibiotics that are in the safe group for the baby and can be effective in the treatment. Radiographs to be taken to detect a situation related to oral and dental health can also be taken by using protective equipment such as lead aprons to protect the mother and the baby. However, for both applications, unnecessary applications should be avoided, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Even blowing the child's food is a cause of contamination
Emphasizing that the dental health of the mother during pregnancy does not directly affect the dental health of the baby, Dr. Melek Altan Köran said, “However, after birth, caries-causing bacteria in mothers may be transmitted to the child during the dentition period of the child. He draws attention to an important point with his words, "It is necessary to avoid behaviors that may cause direct contamination, such as blowing on the spoon to be given to the child or tasting the temperature and taste of the food in the spoon."
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