PREGNANCY AND TEETH
To ensure the continuity of oral and dental health, effective and adequate care for life is required. However, oral dental care in women is privileged during the periods of puberty, breastfeeding, pregnancy, menstruation and menopause, which take a certain part of their lives.
Is it true that "a tooth is lost at every birth"?
The notion that "during pregnancy, the baby absorbs the calcium it needs from the mother's teeth, causing the mother's teeth to decay more quickly, and therefore pregnant mothers experience tooth loss" is completely false. There is no scientific evidence that calcium is lost from the mother's teeth during pregnancy. During this period, mothers need 1200-1500 mg of calcium daily for healthy bones for both the baby and the mother. During pregnancy, women should meet their calcium needs by consuming calcium-rich foods such as milk, dairy products, and green leafy vegetables. If dietary calcium is insufficient, the amount necessary for fetal development is provided by the mother's bones. Calcium is not absorbed from the teeth. If a good diet is combined with adequate oral and dental care, no dental problems are encountered during pregnancy. Nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for the overall health and oral health of both mother and baby. Baby's tooth development begins in the fifth and sixth weeks of pregnancy.
In terms of oral and dental health throughout pregnancy:
A balanced diet should include fruits and vegetables, grains, milk and dairy products, meat, fish, and eggs, all of which are essential foods rich in vitamins A, C, and D, as well as phosphorus and calcium.
Sugar should be avoided as much as possible (especially between meals). Dried fruit and sticky sugary foods like caramel should be avoided.
Can dental treatment be performed during pregnancy?
Effective dental treatment should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy, which is the baby's organ development phase.
Treatments should be postponed until the second trimester.
In emergency cases such as tooth or gum inflammation, the idea that the existing infection may affect the baby's development more than the negative effects of dental treatment should be kept in mind, and dental treatment should be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of a gynecologist.
In the last three months, the mother may feel uncomfortable during dental treatment because she cannot comfortably take the positions required for treatment and cannot sit in the chair for long periods of time.
An extra mouth during pregnancy
My daily oral and dental care should not be interrupted.
She should undergo a complete oral examination before pregnancy to achieve optimal oral hygiene and acquire the habit of maintaining it.
Because there is a direct relationship between plaque accumulation, gum disease and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
The increase in hormones during pregnancy makes the oral mucosa more sensitive to external factors, especially bacterial plaque.
Plaque accumulation should be prevented by effective dental care using a toothbrush and dental floss at least twice a day.
You should gargle with mouthwash or warm salt water. Especially warm salt water.
Is dental care necessary?
Can dental anesthesia be performed during pregnancy?
Can dental x-rays be taken?
While many medications are recommended to be avoided or used in moderation during pregnancy, no side effects have been reported from local anesthetics used in dental treatments.
When using local anesthetics, the manufacturer's recommendations should be followed.
If there are no warnings, there is no harm in using local anesthetics.
Treatment under anesthesia will be painless and the patient will experience less stress.
When using local anesthetics during pregnancy for tooth extractions or any other procedure, the manufacturer's recommendations should be followed. If there are no warnings, there is no harm in using them.
Antibiotics, especially penicillin and its derivatives (amoxicilline, etc.), do not pose any risks to the baby.
Tetracycline antibiotics should not be taken. If tetracycline is taken during pregnancy, discoloration of the baby's teeth, known as "tetracycline discoloration," should occur.
Caution should be exercised in using painkillers and the manufacturer's recommendations should be strictly followed.
Although the radiation levels in dental X-ray machines are very low, X-rays should be avoided during pregnancy.
Unless absolutely necessary, this procedure should be postponed until after birth.
If an X-ray is absolutely necessary for urgent treatment: The mother should be dressed in a special protective apron, and a low-dose, high-speed film should be used.
Pregnancy gingitisi (Pregnancy gingivitis)
Swollen and reddened gums may be observed in the early stages of pregnancy. These gums are quite sensitive and bleed easily. These changes in women's gums during pregnancy are due to increased secretion of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Pregnancy gingivitis usually begins in the second month of pregnancy and peaks in the eighth month, healing spontaneously after birth. Factors such as bacterial plaque or tartar, which develop in people who do not maintain regular oral and dental hygiene and cause gum irritation, can make pregnancy gingivitis more severe. Deep tartar buildup on the teeth should be removed by a dentist. As with other dental treatments, tartar removal should be performed especially in the second trimester of pregnancy. (The baby's organs are developing during the first trimester. Bacteremia caused during this stage can negatively impact the baby's organ development.) In the third trimester, the mother may find it difficult to sit comfortably, and excessive stress can lead to premature birth.
Can teeth be extracted during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a time when the entire body undergoes numerous physical and psychological changes. Our mouth is a very sensitive part of the body to these changes. Expectant mothers may inevitably neglect their personal care during pregnancy because they are constantly thinking about their baby. Nausea and vomiting can have harmful effects on the mouth. Overindulgence or aversion to certain foods and drinks can also affect the mouth. Hormonal influences can lead to certain changes in the mouth. For example, as the amount of acid in blood and saliva increases, tooth decay becomes more likely. Simply put, tooth decay means softening by acids secreted by bacteria. Gum disease will also occur more easily and frequently than before. Every woman considering pregnancy or who is pregnant should definitely have a dental checkup, learn what to do and avoid for her oral health, and receive any necessary treatments. This is crucial for the health of both the mother and her child. Pregnancy is roughly divided into three stages:
First trimester: This is a very sensitive period for babies. Unnecessary interventions can cause a miscarriage. However, if a tooth is causing pain and/or needs urgent treatment, such as extraction or root canal treatment, and if left untreated, it's important to see a dentist without hesitation. The dentist will provide treatment with medications that are harmless to the baby.
Second trimester: This is the most suitable time for many treatments that cannot be postponed until the end of pregnancy, such as tooth extractions, fillings, root canals, and so on.
Third trimester: During this period, the baby has grown significantly in the womb and labor is approaching. Just as in the first trimester, the dentist will not intervene except for urgent treatments.
How does pregnancy affect oral health?
It's a common misconception that calcium is lost from mothers' teeth during pregnancy and that mothers will lose a tooth with each pregnancy. However, it's also true that some changes in oral health occur during pregnancy. The most significant change is the increase in estrogen and progesterone hormone levels, which is linked to increased plaque accumulation on teeth. If plaque isn't removed, it causes gingivitis. This condition is called "pregnancy gingivitis." The gums are red, enlarged, tender, and bleeding. This condition affects most pregnant women, with varying degrees of severity, especially during the second trimester. If gingivitis is already present, it can worsen during pregnancy and progress to periodontitis if left untreated. Pregnant women are also at risk of developing "pregnancy tumors." These are inflammatory lesions that result from the irritation of gingival overgrowths. While they are usually left alone, they should be removed by a dentist if they cause discomfort or interfere with chewing, brushing, or other oral hygiene procedures.
How can these problems be prevented?
Gingivitis can be prevented by effectively caring for and cleaning your teeth. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, and if possible, after every meal. Flossing should also be done daily on all teeth. If brushing your teeth in the morning is uncomfortable, rinse your mouth with water or an anti-plaque, fluoride-containing mouthwash. Along with a balanced diet, vitamin C and B12 supplements are also important for maintaining oral health. More frequent visits to the dentist can effectively control plaque, preventing the development of gingivitis. Maintaining plaque control also reduces gum irritation and the risk of pregnancy-related tumors.
When should one go to the dentist?
If you are planning a pregnancy or suspect you are pregnant, you should visit your dentist. A cleaning during the first trimester is recommended. The dentist will develop a treatment plan for the remainder of the pregnancy. Another cleaning may be recommended in the second trimester, based on the changes in oral tissues and the effectiveness of oral care. Depending on the circumstances, repeat appointments can be made in the third trimester, but these sessions should be as short as possible. Are there any procedures that should not be performed during pregnancy? Generally, non-urgent procedures can be performed during pregnancy. However, the most appropriate time for any dental treatment is between the 4th and 6th months. In emergencies accompanied by severe pain, treatment can be performed at any time during pregnancy. A gynecologist should be consulted in cases requiring anesthesia or medication. Procedures that can be postponed should be postponed until after delivery.
Are dental x-rays harmful during pregnancy?
During this period, if absolutely necessary for treatment, one or two intraoral x-rays may be taken. Although the amount of radiation given off in dental x-rays is very low and does not come into close proximity to the abdominal area, a lead apron should be worn to protect the developing baby from radiation. Nevertheless, x-rays should be avoided during the first trimester. Do teeth decay more quickly during pregnancy? As previously stated, the belief that "calcium is withdrawn from the mother's teeth during pregnancy, and therefore each baby causes the mother to lose a tooth" is absolutely false. The disruption of the body's balance during pregnancy creates an environment suitable for rapid tooth decay. The reasons for more rapid tooth decay during this period are as follows:
During the feeding period, babies may crave sweets and snacks, and brushing their teeth after eating these may be neglected.
After vomiting in the first few months, mothers may not pay sufficient attention to oral hygiene.
Due to the effects of pregnancy hormones (estrogen and progesterone), mothers often avoid brushing their teeth, as their gums bleed more easily. For these reasons, it's important to take extra care of their dental health during this period. Are there any precautions needed for the baby's dental health? Baby's tooth development begins in the womb. During this period, mothers should be careful about a balanced diet for both their own health and the development of their baby's teeth. For dental health, it's essential to consume adequate amounts of protein, vitamin A (meat, milk, eggs, yellow vegetables and fruits), vitamin C (citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries), vitamin D (meat, milk, eggs, fish), and calcium (milk and dairy products, green leafy vegetables).Additionally, unintentional medication use should be avoided. These medications can negatively impact not only your baby's dental health but also their overall physical development. Being informed about your baby's dental health is the first step to ensuring your child has healthy teeth throughout their lives. Learn about baby dental care and nutrition.
“I took antibiotics while pregnant.” Will my baby’s teeth be affected? We've emphasized that unintentional medication use should be avoided during this period. However, the belief that every antibiotic used causes staining on a baby's teeth is incorrect. The antibiotic class that causes tooth discoloration is the "tetracyclines." No other antibiotics have been proven to cause discoloration.