Pregnancy and Dentistry

Pregnant women undergo a lot of changes. Many of them are visible for every one. But, some changes like those related to their teeth are not visible for others. People used to say that women lose teeth as they gain kids. The assumption behind this saying is that the fetus is absorbing calcium from the mother's teeth and this in turn is going to ruin her teeth. As the fetus is gaining all the required nutrients from mother's food, there is no truth in this.

As early as the second month of her pregnancy, the mother is going to feel gum problems due to the hormonal changes in her body. Any deposits on the teeth are going to cause problems for the gums. Even strict practitioners of healthy dental cleanup regimen are known to get swollen gums. These will be gone after childbirth. During the third trimester of pregnancy, women may feel that their teeth are loosening. Swollen gums tempt many pregnant women to avoid brushing and flossing and this can result in an increase in bacterial activity. As such tooth decay is possible. Hence, it is very important to stick to dental care practices during pregnancy with proper care.

As hormone changes occurring in mother's body are going to affect her gums, proper dental hygiene is very important. Proper dental care to remove bacteria, along with regular brushing, flossing and rinsing is necessary during the fist trimester. Dental treatments are usually delayed for a later time. Minor dental procedures are conducted during the second trimester. As women find it hard to get examined in the third trimester. Even if she can lie on the dental chair, there is a risk of blood circulation stoppage due to the extra pressure exerted on the vein. During this time dentist appointments are taken only if it is an emergency. Even in that case, the duration is reduced to the shortest period possible.

There are studies with results indicating the relation between mother's gum problems and the risk of kids being born prematurely or as underweight. The bacteria responsible for gum infections can travel through the mother's blood stream in to her uterus. Now the body will produce a labor inducing chemicals by the name "prostaglandins". As such, it is advisable for pregnant women to adhere to a strict regimen of dental and oral hygiene so as to avoid these risks.

Pregnancy tumors may arise on the gums of women as a result of infections and need to be taken care of. Be careful about the medicines you consume pregnancy. Some medicines are to be strictly avoided during this time. It is scientifically proven that tetracycline can change the color of your baby's teeth and should be avoided. But penicillin, amoxicillin and clindamycin are safe to use. Thus, it is really important for pregnant women to adhere to a rigorous oral cleanup regimen so as to over come the added problems due to the hormone changes. They need to be careful about which antibiotics and other medicines they consume.

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