This article covers tips on oral hygiene during pregnancy and after. The oral hygiene of mother and child The storm of hormones that is induced during pregnancy causes changes in the mother’s body and oral Cavity is no exception. Pregnancy causes hormonal fluctuations that increase the risk for gum diseases like gingivitis (inflamed, red, swollen and bleeding gums), Pyogenic Granuloma (big swollen mass of gum in a localized area), Gingival Hyperplasia. The changing hormone levels in the body can make gums more sensitive to harmful plaque formation on teeth (pyorrhea). Furthermore, if somebody already has a sign of gum disease, being pregnant may make it worse. Good oral hygiene can help in preventing or reducing the severity of the hormone meditated oral changes.
Morning sickness is a common problem that is encountered by women early in their pregnancies and is associated with nausea and vomiting. The gastric acid which is present in reflux causes erosion of teeth. It can be easily controlled by rinsing the mouth thoroughly after vomiting with sodium bicarbonate containing solution.

Warning signs to watch out for diseases of the oral cavity during pregnancy are:-

  • Tender, swollen, red gums.
  • Bleeding from gums while brushing or flossing.
  • Bad breath or bad taste in mouth.
  • Sensitivity in tooth.
  • Pain in tooth/teeth.
  • Educate the patient about oral changes which occur during pregnancy.
  • Emphasize strict oral hygiene instructions.
  • Limit dental treatment to periodontal prophylaxis.
  • Avoid routine radiographs.
  • The risk to fetus is low.
  • Oral hygiene instructions.
  • Scaling, Polishing and Curettage.
  • Control of active Oral diseases.
  • Elective dental care is safe.
  • Avoid Radiographs.
  • Oral Hygiene Instructions
  • Scaling, Polishing curettage.
  • Avoid elective dental care during 2nd half of 3rd Trimester.
  • Avoid routine radiographs.
  • After feeding the baby, use damp washcloth or piece of gauze to wipe the gums-this will remove any deposition that has formed
  • Once teeth appear, brush after feeding with soft-bristled brush
  • If a baby is put to bed with a bottle containing milk (even breast milk), formula or juice, the sugar in the drink and the bacteria in baby mouth can react and cause tooth decay. To avoid after milk, fill the bottle with water.

About the author:-

Dr Apoorva Jain Awasthi

Доктор Апурва Джейн Авасти

B.D.S, M.D.S. Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics (Root Canal Specialist)

Доктор Апурва Джиан Авастхи возглавляет отделение стоматологических наук в Ариханте. Она является экспертом в области лечения корневых каналов и разнообразной хирургии десен.

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