During thepregnantan, maternal health is very influential on condition baby, including dental and oral health. If not treated properly, teeth can cause general health problems, both for the mother and the fetus.
Diseases of the teeth and mouth, such as cavities and gingivitis, are prone to be suffered by pregnant women. The increased risk of dental disorders in pregnancy is caused by various changes in the body of pregnant women.
In addition, nausea and vomiting that are commonly experienced by pregnant women can cause an acidic mouth condition, so that the teeth are easy to cavities and become a place for germs to grow. An increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone can also cause gingivitis.
Things to note SBefore Doing Dental Care saat pregnant
Given the high risk of toothache during pregnancy, dental care is very necessary. If you are pregnant and want to have dental treatment, the first thing to do is tell your dentist about your pregnancy condition.
Information about your gestational age and the state of your pregnancy will help your dentist determine the appropriate course of action. In addition, there are several things you need to pay attention to regarding dental care during pregnancy, namely:
1. Consult a gynecologist first
Before visiting the dentist, you should consult with a gynecologist first. This aims to see if your pregnancy is in good condition and allows for dental treatment.
2. Routine dental care can be done during pregnancy
Routine dental care, such as dental cleaning, can be done in the first trimester to the third trimester of pregnancy. In addition, emergency measures, such as tooth extraction, may also be performed during pregnancy.
3. The second trimester is the safest period
In the second trimester of pregnancy, pregnant women are in good condition and emotionally stable. Treatment that can be done is cleaning tartar (scaling teeth) and fillings. Tooth extraction using local anesthesia can be done, but requires the approval of a gynecologist first.
4. Delaying dental care in the third trimester
During the third trimester of pregnancy, it is better for pregnant women to postpone visits to the dentist until after giving birth. In this trimester, the condition of pregnant women is quite sensitive, so that some actions can trigger the baby to be born prematurely.
Tips for doing dental care saat Pregnant
The lack of action that the dentist can take during pregnancy can be a motivation for you to maintain dental and oral hygiene, so as not to experience toothache. Below are tips for maintaining dental and oral health during pregnancy:
- Brush your teeth with toothpaste that contains fluoride, twice a day.
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Reduce consumption of sweet foods because they can cause tooth decay.
- Drink lots of water.
- If you experience morning sickness, Gargle with water after vomiting and brush your teeth an hour after.
- Do not brush your teeth immediately after vomiting, because shortly after vomiting, the outer layer of the teeth can become soft due to stomach acid.
Maintaining good oral and dental health will help you have a smooth pregnancy. Therefore, you need to undergo regular dental and oral examinations to the dentist, since you are planning a pregnancy.
Written by:
drg. Viera Fitani(Dentist)
