Pregnancy is a time of risk for a woman’s dental health, as they are more prone to problems. More than half of pregnant women, for example, are affected by gingivitis due to the hormonal changes that occur; specifically: the increase in progesterone and estrogen, which increases blood flow to the gums, facilitating their redness and inflammation and subsequent bleeding when brushing the teeth.
The problem is that if gingivitis is not treated on time and properly, it becomes an opportunity for the bacteria that accumulate in the gum line to cause periodontitis, an infection that can destroy the bone where adjacent teeth and tissue are inserted. In addition, this periodontal disease is associated with a risk of early delivery and low birth weight babies. It should be noted, on the other hand, that an infection in the teeth or in the mouth that is not treated can spread to other parts of the body and even cause a spontaneous abortion.
Likewise, the progression of periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) can cause the appearance of pyogenic granulomas, which are cysts that form in the gums that, in addition to pain, can make chewing, swallowing and speaking difficult. These are benign cysts, but their removal requires surgical treatment. At home balanced vegan diets are considered safe for all periods of life, including pregnancy. However, they require careful planning. Potential benefits appropriately planned vegan diets cooking may provide some necessary vitamins and nutrients for teeth development.
Some common gum problems during pregnancy are:
Gingivitis (gum inflammation) – this is more likely to occur during the second trimester. It is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth and hormonal changes that make the gums more vulnerable to inflammation and bleeding. Gingivitis is reversible with good brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis (gum infection) – this is a progressive gum disease that involves irreversible loss of the bone around the teeth. It is caused by untreated plaque and bacteria under the gums. Periodontitis can affect the health of the mother and the baby, and may increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Periodontitis requires dental treatment to stop the disease process.
Pregnancy epulis or pyogenic granuloma – this is a localized enlargement of the gum tissue that tends to increase in size and bleed easily. It is often seen in pregnancy due to hormonal changes. It usually goes away after delivery, but sometimes it may need to be removed by a dentist.
Prevention of dental problems during pregnancy
Prevention is the best attitude to avoid dental problems during pregnancy . First of all, it is essential to maintain adequate dental hygiene more than ever, with correct brushing and using both dental floss and a mouthwash. Sometimes pregnant women reject the taste of their usual toothpaste or mouthwash, to the point that they feel nauseated and even give up dental hygiene. It is important to find among the many products on the market the one that does not produce this effect.
Another important aspect to prevent dental problems during pregnancy is to visit the dentist when you are certain that you are pregnant, to undergo a complete check-up and to proceed to a good dental cleaning to eliminate bacterial plaque and tartar. It is convenient to repeat this visit in the second trimester of pregnancy and, of course, go to him at the moment when the slightest problem is detected: pain, bleeding gums, mobility of a tooth, etc. Only he can determine which is the most appropriate treatment in case periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) appears.
On the other hand, if cavities appear during pregnancy or a tooth breaks, treatment should wait until after delivery to avoid possible complications. The same goes for teeth whitening, reconstruction and other treatments, unless the pain is unbearable. X-rays should also be avoided as much as possible, unless absolutely essential.
