Altınbaş University Faculty of Dentistry Lecturer Dr. Görkem Sengez gave information about oral and dental health during pregnancy. Can I have fillers during pregnancy? Is the perception that a mother loses a tooth in every birth true? Is oral and dental health directly proportional to a balanced diet? What should I do if I have a toothache during pregnancy?
“Is the perception that the mother loses a tooth in every birth true?”
Dr. Görkem Sengez stated that contrary to what many women believe, it is not possible for the calcium in the teeth to dissolve and pass to the baby. He stated that the common perception of "every birth, loss of a tooth" is just a story. “The baby in the mother's womb meets this deficiency not directly from the calcium of the teeth, but from the bones with the calcium metabolisms in the body. If the mother is fed enough with calcium-rich milk and dairy products and green leafy vegetables, the baby will meet this need quite easily.
“Is a balanced diet and oral and dental health directly proportional?”
Dr. Görkem Sengez stated that the disruption of routine oral care caused the deterioration of the mother's dental health during pregnancy. Sengez said, “It is caused by the change of eating habits due to the inability of the pregnant woman to brush her teeth due to morning sickness or the frequent vomiting. Therefore, oral care needs to be done more often. In addition, the absorption of structural minerals such as vitamin D, calcium and magnesium may be interrupted during this period. This can trigger a condition called gingival recession. Reminding that vitamins A and D are also effective in enamel formation, he made some suggestions for compensation.
Fruit, vegetables, cereals, milk and dairy products, meat, fish and eggs rich in vitamins A, C, D, calcium and phosphorus should be taken with a balanced diet,
Sugar should be avoided as much as possible and should not be consumed between meals,
Packaged and processed foods should be avoided.
“What should I do if I have a toothache during pregnancy?”
Dr. Görkem Sengez underlined that the ideal time for any dental treatment during pregnancy is the second trimester, that is, the period between the third and sixth months. He emphasized that toothaches should be evaluated by a dentist. Stating that pain may have some physiological causes during pregnancy, Sengez said, “For example, there may be sensitivity in the teeth because morning sickness increases the acidity of the oral flora. In particular, the enamel layer is thin, and the tooth areas can cause this sensitivity. This situation can be minimized with minimally invasive methods and some protective applications.” he said.
Dr. However, if urgent intervention is required, Sengez suggested that the treatment period should be kept to a minimum by analyzing the risk of not treating the tooth for the pregnant woman. He pointed out that pregnant women who are being treated should sit comfortably in the dentist's chair with their feet slightly inclined to the left.
“Can I have fillers during pregnancy?”
Dr. Sengez stated that dental treatments should not be interrupted during pregnancy and this would benefit both the mother and the baby. However, he pointed out that the first trimester is a sensitive period in which organs develop in the fetus. Sengez said, “Although the possibility of imaging methods and materials used during dental treatment to have a teratogenic (causing birth defects) effect on the fetus is very low, non-emergency treatments should be postponed to the second trimester. Ideally, women who are considering becoming pregnant should complete their dental treatment before pregnancy. While performing restorations, mercury-free materials such as composite resin and glass ionomer can be used. However, the same cannot be said for amalgam restorations. Due to the mercury gas they release, they are defined by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as high risk in 2 for pregnant women, those considering pregnancy, breastfeeding women, newborns and children under 2020 years old. Existing amalgam restorations that do not cause any discomfort to the expectant mother need to be replaced.”
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