pregnancy and healthy teeth

During pregnancy, women’s bodies undergo complex physiological changes that can adversely affect oral health. For this reason, health professionals need to ensure that the pregnant women they serve receive needed oral health care.

Most women will experience some form of gingivitis, which tends to surface most frequently in the second trimester.

gingivitis occurs in 60% to 75% of pregnant women

Expectant mothers (and women who take some oral contraceptives) experience-elevated levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This causes the gums to react differently to the bacteria found in plaque, and in many cases can cause a condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis” 65 to 70% of all pregnant women developed gingivitis during this time! Symptoms include;

	swollen, red gums
	bleeding of the gums when you brush.

Pregnancy gingivitis usually starts around the second month of pregnancy and decreases during the ninth month. If you already have gingivitis, it will most likely get worse during pregnancy especially without treatment. Only half of most pregnancy women go to receive dental care. Remember that the bacteria in plaque (not hormones) are what cause gingivitis and it is an infection of the gum tissue.

Gums infected with periodontal disease are toxic reservoirs of disease causing bacteria. The toxins produced by the bacteria attack the gums, ligaments, and bone surrounding the teeth to produce infected pockets that are similar to large infected wounds in your mouth. Theinfected pockets provide access the your bloodstream allowing bacteria to travel throughout your body.
Your body reacts to the infections in your gums by producing prostaglandins, a natural fatty acid that's involved with inflammation control an smooth muscle contraction. During your pregnancy the level of prostaglandins gradually increases, peaking when you go into labor. One theory is that, if extra prostaglandins are produced as a reaction to the bacterial infection in your gums, your body may interpret it as a signal to go into labor and your baby can be born to early or too small. so, It's important for you to take good care of your teeth and gums while you are pregnant. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase your risk of developing gum diseases, which in turn, can affect the health of your developing baby.

Now the question is

What about other regular dental work during pregnancy?

Dental work such as cavity fillings and crowns should be treated to reduce the chance of infection. If dental work is done during pregnancy, the second trimester is ideal. Once you reach the third trimester, it may be very difficult to lie on your back for an extended period of time.

Dental problems such as caries, erosion, epulis, periodontal infection, loose teeth, and ill-fitting

crowns, bridges, and dentures (prostheses) may have special significance during pregnancy.

Tooth decay is the result of repeated acid attacks on the tooth enamel. Any increase in tooth decay may be due to changes in diet and oral hygiene. nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

Dental Care While Pregnant

    Tell your dentist (and doctor) if you are pregnant. As a precautionary measure, dental treatments during the first trimester and second half of the third trimester should be avoided as much as possible. These are critical times in the baby's growth and development and it's simply wise to avoid exposing the mother to procedures that could in any way influence the baby's growth and development. However, routine dental care can be received during the second trimester. All elective dental procedures should be postponed until after the delivery.
    Tell your dentist the names and dosages of all medications you are taking – including medications and prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor – as well as any specific medical advice your doctor has given you. Your dentist may need to alter your dental treatment plan based on this information. Certain drugs -- for example, such as tetracycline -- can affect the development of your child's teeth and should not be given during the pregnancy.
    Avoid dental x-ray during pregnancy. If X-rays are essential (such as in a dental emergency), your dentist will use extreme caution to safeguard you and your baby. Advances in technology have made X-rays much safer today than in past decades.
    Don't skip your dental checkup appointment simply because you are pregnant. Now more than any other time, regular periodontal (gum) examinations are very important because pregnancy causes hormonal changes that put you at increased risk for periodontal diseases and for tender gums that bleed easily – a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Pay particular attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy. If tenderness, bleeding or gum swelling occurs at any time during your pregnancy, talk with your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible.
    Follow good oral hygiene practices to prevent and/or reduce oral health problems.

    Coping With Morning Sickness
        If morning sickness is keeping you from brushing your teeth, change to a bland-tasting toothpaste during your pregnancy. Ask your dentist or hygienist to recommend brands.
        Rinse your mouth out with water or a mouth rinse if you suffer from morning sickness and have bouts of frequent vomiting.

    Eating Right for Your Teeth and Baby
        Avoid sugary snacks. Sweet cravings are common during pregnancy. However, keep in mind that the more frequently you snack, the greater the chance of developing tooth decay. Additionally, some studies have shown that the bacteria responsible for tooth decay are passed from the mother to the child. So be careful of what you eat.
        Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Your baby's first teeth begin to develop about three months into your pregnancy. Healthy diets containing dairy products, cheese and yogurt are a good source of these essential minerals and are good for your baby's developing teeth, gums, and bones.