It’s important to maintain your oral hygiene throughout pregnancy. But there are plenty of questions from new mothers about the health implications and what sort of healthcare they should be engaging in. This article looks into a few of these: what to do and not to do, and what is the role of your local dentist Richmond throughout your gestation.
Communication
Communication with your local clinic is important. And you should inform them before your next check-up that you are pregnant. There are several conditions that you are more susceptible to during gestation, and there may also be a need to change aspects of your routine. Like decreasing the time between check-ups. As well as avoiding any dental procedures which are not necessary, to prevent further damage or loss, should be delayed until after birth. There is no need for reconstruction or dental whitening during this time and although both are quite safe, their clinical need is too low to justify treatment.
If you are using any sort of hormonal treatments or IVF along with supplements including vitamins and minerals, please inform your dental team. As these treatments can alter the shade of your enamel as well as affect your gum tissue resulting in misdiagnosis.
Are X-rays safe in pregnancy?
Most dental clinics will be conservative when it comes to any treatments performed during pregnancy. X-rays are very safe in terms of the quantity of radiation used per image, and being isolated to the head minimises potential harm to the baby. If you require an x-ray during pregnancy, your condition will have met determination and the risks of not having it outweigh any minor possible harm. Many clinics will provide additional shielding in the form of a vest to wear during the X-ray.
The hormonal changes that your body is going through and other physiological effects like decalcification can have a significant impact on your teeth and gums. Regular check-ups are important and the X-rays that come with them are even more valuable if you weren’t pregnant.
Oral hygiene and fluoride
Large quantities of ingested fluoride could pose a small risk to a developing fetus; this is why toothpaste and mouthwash containing fluoride have to be spat out rather than swallowed. The levels of fluoride normally absorbed into the mouth during brushing teeth or in fluoridated water are entirely safe during pregnancy.
The dangers and risks posed by not regularly brushing your teeth during pregnancy are much greater than avoiding brushing. So keep up the normal brushing and flossing routine.
Oral growths
Oral growth, specifically from inflamed gums, is not uncommon during pregnancy; they can be very uncomfortable as they extend away from the gum. Like a skin-tag getting in the way during eating and talking, rubbing against tooth surfaces.
They are a complication of hormonally induced gingivitis and it may be common in the third trimester. Over the counter treatment in the form of Bonjela and other topical numbing products can be helpful but if they become very inconvenient, they can be surgically removed.
