Today’s Motherhood

Pregnancy is a time for change in the body of the pregnant woman in order to accommodate the growing baby inside.

During pregnancy, hormone levels increase and the oral cavity is affected as well. The pregnant woman may experience bleeding and swelling of the gums. Moreover, food trapped in between the teeth can irritate the entire mouth.

Preventative dental work for pregnant women is safe and recommended because certain gum problems are linked to preterm birth.

There are times when the pregnant woman tends to neglect the condition of her teeth and gums which leads to more serious complications.

Here are some points to consider when thinking about dental work during pregnancy

• You should inform your dentist that you are pregnant before going through dental procedures.
• Crowns and cavity fillings reduce the chance of infection. Ideally, dental procedures could be done during the second trimester when the woman has taken some time to adapt to the changes brought by her condition. Physically, the term is perfect to lay in back position compared to the hassles during the third trimester.
• Dentists advise the conduct of all dental interventions right after birth unless for emergency cases like tooth extraction and root canal procedures. Cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening should be postponed until after birth.
• The amount of anesthesia for dental procedures should be reduced as much as possible. It is better to undergo some pain than to cause further risks from the substance to the baby. However, if the pain is extreme, you can opt for more numbing because the stress you feel through pain will also be felt by the baby.
• Routine X-rays cause adverse effects to the development of the embryo. Procedures requiring the use of x-ray should be postponed, too, unless in unavoidable circumstances.
• During dental examinations, the pregnant woman should be allowed to lay or sit in a comfortable position. Don’t sit with crossed legs to maintain healthy circulation.
• Dental procedures may take some hours so for the pregnant woman to stay relaxed during the long time of being seated, she can bring with her pillows for comfort and headphones for entertainment
• Take calcium-rich food sources in order to keep up with the calcium needs of the baby for bone development and to maintain your calcium needs as well.

The teeth and the gums are as important as other parts of the body especially during pregnancy. A happy disposition of the mother can be boosted by a healthy smile. Dental work during pregnancy should be given emphasis for a sunny journey to labor and birth.

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