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What can be done to
Ensure a Healthy
Pregnancy?
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Women considering
pregnancy are advised to
visit their dentist for
a checkup and treat any
oral health problems
before becoming
pregnant.
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During pregnancy, teeth
and gums need special
attention. Regular
brushing and flossing,
proper nutrition and
scheduling dentist
appointments regularly
will help reduce dental
problems that may
develop during
pregnancy.
Oral Problems that may
Develop During
Pregnancy.
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Many pregnant women
experience pregnancy
gingivitis, which is
when dental plaque
builds up on the teeth
and irritates the gums.
Symptoms include red,
inflamed, and bleeding
gums.
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Pregnancy gingivitis
occurs because of the
increased level of
hormones, and their
reaction to the plaque.
Plaque is still the
major cause of
gingivitis – not
hormones.
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Keeping teeth clean,
especially near the gum
line, will help reduce
or even prevent
gingivitis during
pregnancy. Substituting
sweets with more
wholesome foods such as
cheese, fresh fruits or
vegetables is better for
the teeth.
What to Expect when you
Visit the Dentist During
your Pregnancy.
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The woman should inform
the dentist of her
pregnancy when making
the appointment.
Schedule dental visits
during the fourth to
sixth month of the
pregnancy. This is
because the first three
months of pregnancy are
thought to be of
greatest importance in
the child's development.
During the last
trimester, stresses
associated with dental
visits can increase the
incidence of prenatal
complications.
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Typically, X-rays,
dental anesthetics, pain
medications and
antibiotics (especially
tetracycline) are not
prescribed during the
first trimester of
pregnancy, unless it's
absolutely necessary.
During the last three
months of pregnancy,
sitting for long periods
of time in the dental
chair can become
uncomfortable. There is
evidence that pregnant
women can be more prone
to gagging. The dentist
is prepared for this
situation.
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If an emergency visit is
needed, the dentist’s
secretary should be
informed of the
pregnancy when making
the appointment. Any
stresses, past
miscarriages and drugs
being taken may
influence how the
dentist attends to the
woman’s needs. The
dentist may want to
consult with the woman’s
physician before any
treatment is started.
Family Preparation
To help families prepare
for oral health
supervision visits,
health professionals can
provide pregnant women
and new mothers with a
list of topics to
discuss at the next
visit. Topics may
include the following:
Mother's Oral Health and
the Effects on the
Children
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Children whose mothers
have a lot of untreated
cavities tend to have
more tooth decay.
Bacteria cause tooth
decay. Babies are not
born with the bacteria
that cause tooth decay,
they usually get it from
their mothers’ saliva.
Mothers with high levels
of these bacteria have
children who also have
high levels of bacteria.
The children then have a
greater chance of tooth
decay.
Questions a Woman Should
ask her Dentist
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How are problems with
tissues in my mouth
linked to health
problems in other places
in my body?
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What are the most common
oral health problems?
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What are some other
problems I might have
with my mouth?
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As a woman, why do I
have to worry about oral
health?
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I’m pregnant. Do I need
to take special care of
my mouth?
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I’m a new mother. What
can I do for my baby’s
health?
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What type of toothpaste
or mouthwash should I
use?
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What small steps can I
take to have a healthy
smile?
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