One of the most important routine tests and checks that must be done before pregnancy is dental check-ups. Small bruises can progress during pregnancy without any symptoms and cause pain. However, if the cavity is cleaned by the physician while it is still in its infancy, the problem will be solved before it progresses. In addition, dental scaling, if necessary, prevents gum diseases that may progress due to the effect of hormones during pregnancy. Thus, the expectant mother is relieved of the stress she may experience during pregnancy. During this period, the mother's excessive desire for sweets and junk food appears and neglecting to brush her teeth after eating them causes the teeth to decay more quickly. Another reason is not paying enough attention to oral care after the initial vomiting. Care should be taken before pregnancy and 6-month routine check-ups should not be missed afterwards. As it is known, untreated tooth and gum problems can cause serious health problems in the heart and other organs.
Many women notice changes in their gums during their pregnancy. Common symptoms include gums that are slightly enlarged, appear redder, and bleed when brushing. In some pregnant women, the gums may swell and bleed significantly. All these changes are called 'pregnancy gingivitis' and this condition can occur in the second month of pregnancy. The problem reaches its peak around the eighth month of pregnancy and usually subsides and ends after the baby is born. The reason why this gum problem is frequently encountered during pregnancy is that increased hormone, estrogen and progesterone levels increase the sensitivity of the gums to the irritating substances in plaque. However, the main cause of gingivitis is plaque, not hormones. To minimize the effects of gingivitis during pregnancy, mothers should take care of their oral and dental hygiene.
In order for the bones of the baby and the mother to be healthy during pregnancy, the expectant mother should take 1200 to 1500 mg of calcium daily. Women expecting a baby should consume calcium-rich foods such as milk and dairy products and green leafy vegetables during this period.
An If the candidate cannot meet his/her calcium needs from food, the calcium required for the development of the baby is met from the mother's bones. However, if the expectant mother eats well and takes adequate oral and dental care during pregnancy, she will not encounter any dental problems different from the normal period. They need to be careful to get essential nutrients, fruits and vegetables. It will also be beneficial to consume a balanced diet of cereals, milk and dairy products, fish and eggs during pregnancy. Expectant mothers should stay away from sugar as much as possible, especially between meals. They should also avoid sticky sugary foods such as dried fruits and caramel.
HOW ARE DENTAL TREATMENTS DURING PREGNANCY?
Some pregnant women hesitate to go to the dentist during pregnancy, thinking that it may harm the baby. However, there are treatment methods that can be used at every stage of pregnancy without harming the baby and mother. In the first three months of pregnancy, the baby's development is at its most sensitive stage. Effective dental treatment should be avoided in the first three months of pregnancy, which is the baby's organ development phase. For this reason, no intervention is given to the mother other than emergency treatments. However, when necessary, the dentist will postpone the treatment to the second trimester with medications that do not harm the mother and the baby. In emergency cases such as tooth or gingivitis, the idea that the existing infection may affect the baby's development more than the negative effects of dental treatment should be taken into consideration and dental treatment should be performed in accordance with the recommendations of a gynecologist.
Second trimester; It is a period when procedures such as fillings, root canal treatments and dental scaling can be performed safely. If it was not possible to go to the dentist before pregnancy, this period should be evaluated carefully by the mother.
In the third trimester, just like in the first trimester, intervening with the mother is avoided except for emergency treatments. In the last three months, the mother may be uncomfortable during dental treatment because she cannot comfortably assume the positions required for treatment and cannot sit in the chair for a long time.
There is no harm in dental interventions to the mother during the breastfeeding period. just ku Caution should be exercised regarding some medications that may be used. However, since mothers will not have much time for themselves during this period, the second trimester should be evaluated well.
X-rays should not be taken on pregnant women during this period unless necessary. If there is a situation that requires taking, 1-2 x-rays can be taken inside the mouth. However, in order to prevent pregnant women from being negatively affected by this, it is beneficial to wear lead aprons. With the techniques developed today, the amount of radiation received during dental x-rays has been significantly reduced. This rate is even less than the amount of radiation the expectant mother receives from outside. However, being cautious, the expectant mother should not be neglected to wear a lead apron during the x-ray.
In this sensitive process, it would be more appropriate to postpone aesthetic applications such as teeth whitening, smile design, and dental aesthetics after birth. Because such practices are likely to trigger existing tooth and gum problems.
With the hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy, the amount of acid in the expectant mother's saliva increases. Again, teeth and gums are exposed to intense acid during vomiting during pregnancy. Gums should be relieved by gargling with mouthwash or warm salt water. If vomiting occurs, the mouth should be rinsed immediately with plenty of water. Teeth should be brushed half an hour after vomiting, not immediately.
Bleeding may occur from time to time while brushing the teeth. Some expectant mothers who see their teeth bleeding panic and stop brushing their teeth. Bacteria accumulate on teeth that are not brushed; It may cause swelling and redness in the gums. Plaque accumulation should be prevented by using toothbrush and dental floss twice a day and performing effective dental care.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF THE MOTHER'S DENTAL HEALTH ON THE BABY?
Oral and dental health problems that may occur during pregnancy affect the expectant mother. It also concerns the baby's health as well. Therefore, dentist check-ups become even more important during pregnancy. The problems with the teeth and gums of some pregnant women can become so serious that patients may have restrictions on eating or speaking. r. At this point, even if the patient is pregnant, it may be necessary to intervene, taking into account the balance of benefit and harm. Because ignoring some gum problems during pregnancy can cause much bigger problems. So much so that if gum problems are not intervened, the risk of premature birth or low birth weight may increase.
Balanced nutrition during pregnancy will positively affect the dental health of the mother and the unborn baby. The baby's dental development begins in the second month of pregnancy. For healthy tooth development, adequate intake of foods rich in calcium, phosphorus and vitamins should be taken. Expecting mothers should avoid foods that cause cavities from the first month of pregnancy.
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