Oral Health in Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a phase in a woman’s life that generates great happiness and also concern. Ideally, the woman should go to the dentist and do all the necessary treatments before becoming pregnant, in order to avoid oral infections that may lead to taking antibiotics, which should be avoided during the 9 months of pregnancy.

Physiological and psychological changes occur frequently and the woman undergoes hormonal changes with effects on the oral cavity. A characteristic situation in pregnant women is bleeding gums more often due to hormonal changes characteristic of the phase in question. To do this, extra attention to oral hygiene care is required and scaling will help maintain gingival health. The hyperacidity of saliva (due to vomiting) and xerostomia (decreased salivary flow), favor bacterial development, increasing the tendency for the formation of dental caries and gingivitis.

In the event of having to undergo dental treatments during pregnancy, there is no risk to the baby, even though anesthesia is required. Only radiographs should be avoided and treatments should preferably be done during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Consultations should be quick and preferably in the second half of the morning, when nausea is less frequent.

In the dental medicine consultation, the pregnant woman will be informed about oral hygiene and food, the pregnant woman should use the dental floss and / or brush, as well as the brush and paste with fluoride after every meal.