Dental health important during pregnancy<\/p>\n
Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post\/Jakarta<\/p>\n
Women planning to get pregnant should get a thorough dental check
\nup to avoid dental health problems during the pregnancy, experts
\nfrom the University of Indonesia said recently.<\/p>\n
\"Dental health preparation is just as important as any of the
\nother aspects that a woman needs to prepare for her pregnancy,\"
\ndental health expert Armasastra Bahar said during a media
\nworkshop on preventive dentistry organized by PT Pfizer
\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
A pre-pregnancy dental check was especially important as it
\nwas inadvisable for pregnant women to have radical dental
\ntreatment during the term of their pregnancies, he said.<\/p>\n
Besides the concern for the effects of some medication on the
\nunborn baby, the mother's own psychological fear of dental
\ntreatment could also cause undesirable effects.<\/p>\n
\"There have been cases where contractions started because the
\nmother was afraid,\" Armasastra said.<\/p>\n
The old wives' tale of losing a tooth for every pregnancy may
\nnot be strictly true, but hormonal changes during pregnancy do
\nimpact on a woman's dental health.<\/p>\n
It is well known that appetite, nutritional and rest needs are
\naffected by hormonal changes during pregnancy, but these same
\nhormones also affect the gum and bone tissues that surround the
\nteeth, Armasastra explained.<\/p>\n
During this vulnerable time, the smallest amount of dental
\nplaque or calculus (tartar) buildup may cause the gums to
\ninflame, he said, referring to pregnancy gingivitis, a condition
\nmarked by an swelling, bleeding and redness affecting the gum
\ntissue.<\/p>\n
Stomach acids, from the nausea and vomiting caused by morning
\nsickness, can also cause havoc in the mouth. If not cleared away
\nquickly, these acids can damage the surface of the teeth and
\ncause decay.<\/p>\n
\"Dental health becomes a problem because pregnant women
\nusually become lethargic and too lazy to practice proper dental
\nhygiene,\" another expert, Risqa Rina Darwita, said in the
\nworkshop.<\/p>\n
While it may be a challenge to practice diligent oral hygiene
\nhabits during pregnancy, Risqa advises expectant mothers to
\ncontinue brushing their teeth twice daily using a soft bristled
\ntoothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.<\/p>\n
\"If toothpaste gags you, brushing your teeth without
\ntoothpaste, but more frequently also helps,\" she said, adding
\nthat one should also floss regularly and gently brush the tongue
\nto cleanse it of bacteria.<\/p>\n
After a bout of nausea, it is advisable to rinse the mouth
\nwith either plain water or antiseptic mouthwash to freshen the
\nmouth and protect the teeth from stomach acids.<\/p>\n
However, avoid brushing the teeth for about 60 minutes after
\nstomach acid exposure, as brushing before the acid in the mouth
\nhas been neutralized may actually cause some tooth enamel loss.<\/p>\n
Regular dental cleaning and checkups, however, can be done
\nsafely at any time during the pregnancy and will keep the teeth
\nand gums healthy during and after pregnancy, Armasastra said.<\/p>\n
\"But you must inform your dentist that you are pregnant,\" he
\nquickly added.<\/p>\n
The best time to visit the dentist may be between the fourth
\nto sixth months of pregnancy, since few pregnancy concerns occur
\nduring this period.<\/p>\n
A healthy diet can also help ensure the health of your teeth,
\nas well as your baby's, Risqa said.<\/p>\n
A baby's teeth begin to form at around five to six weeks of
\npregnancy, and permanent teeth begin to form at 12 weeks and
\ncontinue developing for eight years.<\/p>\n
So, it is advisable to eat a balanced diet of grain products,
\nvegetables and fruits, milk products, and meats, and be extremely
\ncautious about any medications you are taking as they can
\ndramatically and permanently alter your baby's teeth.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/dental-health-important-during-pregnancy-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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