Pregnancy and Dental Health

Pregnant females face certain health issues. It is very important to go to the physician throughout pregnancy. It is equally important to maintain good oral health during this time. Some common questions that pregnant women have are:

1. Do I need to go to a dentist when I'm pregnant?

Yes, you do have to go to the dentist when you're pregnant. The major problem that an expecting mother faces is pregnancy gingivitis. This happens mainly due to the changes in the hormone levels. The tissue response will be greater even if you have the slightest possible plaque along the gum-line (that otherwise would not have caused any problem). The gingiva gets inflamed; e.g., tender and hemorrhagic. Untreated periodontal disease is related to premature birth and low birth weight. Therefore, take your oral health seriously when you're pregnant.

2. I am expecting / still nursing and have an abscessed tooth. What antibiotic can I take?

Unfortunately, most of the time you will have to take some sort of antibiotic if you have an abscessed tooth. The safest is to take Penicillin. But you may have to think about some other alternative if you're allergic to it. The best thing is to do consult your OBGYN or PCP.

3. I am expecting / still nursing and have a severe toothache. What pain medication can I take?

It is better not to take any medication if you can, but if the pain is severe then you can take regular Tylenol (Acetaminophen). But it is advisable that you talk to your OBGYN or PCP before making that decision.

4. I had a baby. I lost a tooth. I have weak teeth. What should I do?

This is a myth. If you lost the tooth, it was because your nutrition was not adequate throughout the pregnancy, not just because of the fact that you had the baby. If you had been going to your OBGYN as recommended, and had been eating proper, then you would not likely have such problem. Also, your oral hygiene may have been inadequate all along. The poor baby is getting is blamed. Eat right, brush and floss as advised and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid having between meal snacks.