Oral care for pregnant women

Have a dental check-up before pregnancy. Pregnant women need to eat enough calcium, vitamins D, C, and A, phosphorus, and protein. Avoid dental procedures during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy.

The old saying goes, "Every time you give birth, you lose a tooth." However, from a professional and scientific perspective, this notion is completely wrong. The calcium needed by the fetus is not drawn from the teeth. The causes of dental problems during pregnancy are hormonal changes, combined with poor oral hygiene and changes in bodily habits that negatively impact oral health during pregnancy.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important during pregnancy. (Illustration: drverwest)

Pregnant women often experience oral health problems due to hormonal changes. In particular, the increase in estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, along with harmful bacterial plaque buildup from poor oral hygiene, leads to pregnancy gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen, painful, and easily bleeding gums.

Pregnancy gingivitis is the most common oral condition associated with pregnancy and usually begins as early as the second month of gestation. If you already have gingivitis, it may worsen during pregnancy. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, causing irreversible destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth, resulting in tooth loss.

Pregnant women are also at risk of developing soft, granular lesions that bleed easily, called pregnancy granulomas (non-cancerous). These lesions usually disappear after childbirth. If they cause discomfort and interfere with eating, chewing, or oral hygiene, a dentist may recommend removing them during pregnancy.

Pregnant women often need nutrients for their fetuses, so they tend to snack. Morning sickness, which can easily cause vomiting, leads to stomach acid eroding the mineral content of teeth. This weakens teeth and increases the risk of cavities.

Oral care for pregnant women

Try to schedule a dental appointment before you get pregnant. The goal is to have your teeth cleaned, your gums examined carefully by a dentist, and any oral health issues addressed before conception.

Pregnant women who eat a balanced and nutritious diet will help boost their oral health and overall health for both themselves and their baby. A baby's teeth begin to develop between months 3 and 6 of pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women should ensure they are getting enough calcium, vitamins D, C, and A, phosphorus, and protein.

Maintain good oral hygiene during pregnancy, brushing thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily.

Except for emergency interventions, other dental procedures should be postponed until after childbirth. If intervention is necessary, it should be done during the second trimester of pregnancy. Intervention should be avoided during the first trimester due to patient nausea and vomiting, difficulties in treatment, and the development of the fetal organs. Interventions in the third trimester should also be avoided as patients are heavy, fatigued, unable to sit for long periods, and at risk of premature birth.

According to VnExpress