Health Leader, Dental Care During Pregnancy

Dental Care During Pregnancy

Will pregnancy affect my oral health?

Pregnant women experience elevated levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone
These hormones can cause the gums to react differently to the bacteria found in plaque
In many cases, this can cause a condition known as "pregnancy gingivitis"
Symptoms include swollen, red and bleeding gums
The bacteria in plaque (not hormones) are what cause gingivitis
Brush twice a day and floss before you go to bed to help avoid plaque buildup
Women who treat their periodontal health prior to pregnancy decrease their chances of developing pregnancy gingivitis

What are "pregnancy tumors?"

Pregnancy tumors are rare, usually painless lesions that may develop on your gums in response to plaque
Although they are not cancerous, they should be treated
Pregnancy tumors usually subside shortly after childbirth

Could gingivitis affect my baby's health?

New research suggests a link between pre-term, low birth weight babies and gingivitis
Excessive bacteria, which cause gingivitis, can enter the bloodstream through your mouth
The bacteria can travel to the uterus
This can trigger the production of prostaglandins, which are suspected of inducing premature labor
Women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and is too small

Should I receive dental treatment while I'm pregnant?

Continue with your regular dental cleaning and check-ups to avoid oral infections that can affect the fetus, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease
Dentists recommend that major dental treatments that aren't urgent be postponed until after your child is born
The first trimester, the stage of pregnancy in which most of the baby's organs are formed, is the most crucial to your baby's development
It is best to have procedures performed during the second trimester to minimize any potential risk
Dental treatment is not recommended during the third trimester because the dental chair tends to be too uncomfortable for the mother

If I do need treatment, what drugs are safe?

Be extremely cautious of all drugs during pregnancy
If you have gingivitis or periodontal disease, your dentist may want to treat you more often to achieve healthy gums and a healthy baby
Although dental anesthetics such as novocaine or lidocaine can enter the placenta, which filters out most drugs, the doses used in most dental procedures are considered safe
If you need to have dental treatment done during your pregnancy, some acceptable antibiotics include penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin
It is important to avoid tetracycline, which can cause discoloration of your child's temporary and permanent teeth
Pain products containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, are approved, but you should be wary of other over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen
Avoid using narcotics for dental pain until your child is carried to term

Who can I talk to?

Be sure to ask your dentist or physician before receiving treatment
Most dental procedures are safe during pregnancy
Remember, the healthier your mouth is, the healthier and happier your pregnancy and baby will be

Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry

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Simple Ways to Help
Young and Old Eyes

May is Healthy Vision Month and it is imperative to take care of eyes whether they’re young or old.

Children should have their vision checked by age 6, even if there aren’t any signs of eye problems. Healthy eyes and vision are very important to a child’s development. Finding and treating eye problems early on can save a child’s sight. Two common eye problems in children are:

Lazy eye (amblyopia)
Crossed eyes (strabismus)

Both of these eye problems can be treated if they are found early.

Here are ways to help your child develop vision skills:

Read to your child. As you read, let your child see what you are reading.
Play with your child using a chalkboard, finger paints, or different shaped blocks.
Take your child to the playground for safe fun on the jungle gym and balance beam.
Play catch with your child.

Don’t let poor vision put elders at risk. Leave a three-foot, clear path through each room of their house. Outline edges of steps, coffee tables, doorways and bathtubs with colored tape to contrast with surrounding areas. Install lights along outdoor pathways and keep foyers well lit to avoid having to enter dark areas. Replace switch plates with colors that contrast with walls, or outline them with tape of contrasting colors. It is also always smart to use nightlights during the night.