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Pregnancy is one of the most special and exciting times in a woman's life. For this reason, many expectant mothers should pay special attention to dental health during pregnancy. Surprise oral health problems that you may encounter during this period are a risk for the mother and the baby.
There is a two-way relationship between dental health and pregnancy during the pregnancy process. While changing hormones for an average of 9 months affect dental health, poor dental health or not taking the necessary care of dental health negatively affects pregnancy.
The Key to Pregnancy and Dental Health: Changing Hormones
Dental Problems Negatively Affect the Pregnancy Process!
The pregnancy process consists of three 3-month periods, and these periods are called trimesters. The first trimester is a very critical period in which a significant portion of the baby's organ development takes place. During this period, the expectant mother must be very careful in terms of nutrition and medication use. During this period, dental procedures other than routine check-ups and tartar cleanings can be dangerous unless necessary. For this reason, doctors do not recommend performing procedures other than the ones we mentioned.
The second trimester is the period when the baby shows stable development and growth. This period is relatively safer than the other two trimesters. Safe drugs are used during pregnancy for necessary dental procedures.
The third trimester is a sensitive period close to birth. Any inflammatory condition occurring in the body during this period can trigger premature birth by disrupting hormonal balance. Premature birth and low birth weight babies are the most important causes of developmental problems and, more painfully, neonatal deaths. Gum disease, which is the most common inflammatory disease in society along with diabetes, increases the risks during pregnancy. Because the bacteria that cause gum disease have been found to be associated with premature birth. Research shows that women who take care of their oral health during pregnancy have a low risk of premature birth. Therefore, poor oral hygiene and gum disease carry high risks during pregnancy.
Considering all these risks, personal oral care must be perfect during pregnancy. Depending on the changes that occur in the body, the response to plaque accumulation or inflammation will be more intense and different than in non-pregnant individuals.
Relationship Between Pregnancy and Dental Health in Terms of IVF Treatment
IVF treatment is a very delicate and meticulous process that is used by people who have some problems in their natural pregnancy process. Inflammatory conditions that occur or exist in the body can affect the success of IVF treatment. Gum diseases and tooth decay are associated with an increase in the number of bacteria in the mouth and the formation of infections. In similar situations in the body, immune cells go into defense and wage war against foreign objects. As a result, the risk of the embryo placed in the expectant mother's uterus during in vitro fertilization treatment not being able to attach to the uterine wall in a healthy way may increase.
Before the in vitro fertilization treatment process begins, it is recommended that oral problems are identified through a dental examination and necessary treatments are performed. In this way, it is aimed to minimize the risk of failure due to oral health. In addition, since the treatments of teeth and gum problems that may arise after the pregnancy process begins will be risky before birth, it is of great importance to solve them before pregnancy.
How Should I Take Care of My Oral Health During Pregnancy?
1. Regular Dental Checkups: Regular dental check-ups should be performed during pregnancy and dentist recommendations should be followed. Because your dentist will diagnose problems such as pregnancy gingivitis early and take the necessary treatment measures. You should pay attention to your dentist's recommendations to reduce sensitivity in the gums during pregnancy. In addition, if any dental problem is noticed during pregnancy, a dentist should be consulted immediately. Early intervention allows problems to be solved more quickly and effectively.
2. Healthy Nutrition: A healthy and balanced diet is important for the health of both mother and baby. Nutrients such as calcium and vitamin C play an important role in dental health and baby development.
3. Oral Hygiene: Basic oral hygiene such as brushing teeth, flossing and gargling should be taken care of. Oral hygiene should be taken care of especially before going to bed at night. Following all the recommendations of your dentist regarding oral hygiene will ensure healthy progress in this process.
In light of all this information, it is important to have a dental check-up and ensure ideal oral health before pregnancy. Remember, we should give importance to oral health during pregnancy not only for the mother but also for the baby.
We wish you to hold your baby in your arms with a healthy smile.
Source
Oral and Dental Health in Low Birth Weight and Premature Children
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