Dental hygiene for mothers-to-be

Pregnancy is an exciting and very important period for a woman. However, during this period it is even more important than ever to pay close attention to the health of your teeth, gums and overall oral health.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can affect the condition of a woman’s oral cavity and cause:

• redness, swelling, increased sensitivity and bleeding gums
• halitosis – bad breath
• an increased likelihood of tooth decay
• pregnancy gingivitis – inflammation of the gums and oral mucosa
• pregnant epulitis – swelling of the oral mucosa.

Almost 60 to 75 % of pregnant women have gingivitis, which is manifested by redness and swelling. Inflammation is primarily caused by a change in hormones during pregnancy. However, if this inflammation is left untreated, periodontal disease and subsequent tooth loss can occur. Periodontitis is also associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, premature birth and low birth weight of the baby.

Treatment

Mechanical

Pregnant women should have at least 2 preventive checkups with their dentist. During pregnancy, proper oral hygiene practices should be followed to reduce health problems. At a professional dental hygiene clinic, expectant mothers have their plaque and tartar removed, which is involved in the development of pregnancy gingivitis. In addition, the dental hygiene clinic helps patients to choose the right dental hygiene appliances. They are also shown how to work with the appliances, including when they feel straining and when they feel like vomiting. In the last trimester, mothers are also explained how to care for the oral cavity of a child up to one year.

Chemical
During pregnancy, the tooth enamel is also burdened due to frequent vomiting. During it, an acidic environment with a pH of 1-2 is formed in the mouth of a pregnant woman. It is therefore recommended that pregnant women use fluoridation gels to support the tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Fluoride gels can also be supplemented with toothpastes or mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine to prevent the formation and spread of bacteria.

If you are interested, please contact us at 0911 112 142 (OC Central), 0917 196 170 (OC Nivy), by e-mail to central@dentalbrothers.sk or by using the contact form.