Oral Health During Pregnancy

13 June 2024

Pregnancy is an extraordinary situation for a woman. During the nine months of pregnancy, along with the development of the fetus, the woman's body undergoes great changes. The nutrition of the pregnant child depends entirely on the mother. Their supply in the pregnant woman's body decreases, which always leaves traces on the jaw bone and dental system of the pregnant woman. It is these elements that ensure the strength of the enamel and its resistance to caries. It should also be noted that the hormonal changes in a pregnant woman's body also affect her oral health. It has been scientifically proven that the amount of hormones increases in the tooth-gum groove, which contributes to the intensive reproduction of bacteria. That is why it is important, throughout pregnancy, for future mothers to pay special attention to oral health and avoid any kind of complications. A pregnant woman should pay special attention to oral care, and daily home skills. Improperly cleaned teeth, multiple carious defects are an ideal environment for accumulating food waste in the oral cavity. This contributes to the multiplication of bacteria, which in turn is a prerequisite for developing new caries and inflammation of the gums. 

What Oral Diseases Increase During Pregnancy?

In pregnant women periodontal diseases and caries are most common. Pregnant women often complain of bleeding gums and bad breath due to hormonal changes in the body, which is typical for gingivitis. Frequent vomiting in the first trimester of pregnancy (first three months) causes an increase in salivary acidity. Carbohydrates, an acidic environment, is an ideal environment for the rapid multiplication of microorganisms, which in turn leads to the emergence of new caries.

Visiting A Dentist During Pregnancy

The myth that you can not visit a dentist during pregnancy is false. Because of this common belief, pregnant women often avoid going to the dentist, which further aggravates the condition. Soon-to-be mothers should consult a professional. It is best to visit the dentist during all three trimesters. At “Blits Dental Kakhaber Kharebava Clinic”, mothers will find a comfortable environment adapted to their needs, and a team of professionals will assess the condition throughout pregnancy, provide reliable information and, help prevent diseases (caries, gingivitis, periodontitis).

Tooth Extraction And Caries Treatment During Pregnancy

The most favorable period for teeth treatment during pregnancy is the second trimester (3 to 6 months). If a patient has some kind of tooth pain or complication in the first or third trimester, it is examined with special care. The dentist, in consultation with the gynecologist, establishes a treatment plan and a list of prescribed medications. 

A Nursing Mother And Teeth

It is possible that the tooth will not bother you during the whole pregnancy, but during lactation, problems appear in the form of hypersensitivity, inflammation of the gums, or caries. This is because, during breastfeeding, the mother loses the needed minerals for the body, and passes it on to the newborn along with the milk. The mother's diet during lactation is crucial and should be given the utmost attention. During or after pregnancy, foods should be saturated with calcium, fluoride, other micronutrients, minerals, and vitamins (Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D). Taking any medication is based on individual needs and they should be selected on the advice of a gynecologist. Keep in mind that milk and dairy products, cabbage, spinach, and radishes are rich in calcium.

Oral hygiene for mothers-to-be

It is important for the little one's health not only to take care of the mother's mouth but also of the closest relatives, especially the father: the father can pass the bacteria to the little one during close contact. Keep in mind that the unhealthy oral cavity of the mother also hurts the fetus: pathogenic microorganisms easily enter the embryo through your body.

Recommendations

• Brush your teeth for 2-3 minutes after each meal;
• Use fluoride-containing oral hygiene products;
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months.

"Blits Dental - Kakhaber Kharebava Clinic" the best dental clinic in Tbilisi recommends you not miss visits to the dentist during pregnancy and lactation, for the health of you and your baby.