Dental health important during pregnancy

Dental health important during pregnancy

Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Women planning to get pregnant should get a thorough dental check
up to avoid dental health problems during the pregnancy, experts
from the University of Indonesia said recently.

"Dental health preparation is just as important as any of the
other aspects that a woman needs to prepare for her pregnancy,"
dental health expert Armasastra Bahar said during a media
workshop on preventive dentistry organized by PT Pfizer
Indonesia.

A pre-pregnancy dental check was especially important as it
was inadvisable for pregnant women to have radical dental
treatment during the term of their pregnancies, he said.

Besides the concern for the effects of some medication on the
unborn baby, the mother's own psychological fear of dental
treatment could also cause undesirable effects.

"There have been cases where contractions started because the
mother was afraid," Armasastra said.

The old wives' tale of losing a tooth for every pregnancy may
not be strictly true, but hormonal changes during pregnancy do
impact on a woman's dental health.

It is well known that appetite, nutritional and rest needs are
affected by hormonal changes during pregnancy, but these same
hormones also affect the gum and bone tissues that surround the
teeth, Armasastra explained.

During this vulnerable time, the smallest amount of dental
plaque or calculus (tartar) buildup may cause the gums to
inflame, he said, referring to pregnancy gingivitis, a condition
marked by an swelling, bleeding and redness affecting the gum
tissue.

Stomach acids, from the nausea and vomiting caused by morning
sickness, can also cause havoc in the mouth. If not cleared away
quickly, these acids can damage the surface of the teeth and
cause decay.

"Dental health becomes a problem because pregnant women
usually become lethargic and too lazy to practice proper dental
hygiene," another expert, Risqa Rina Darwita, said in the
workshop.

While it may be a challenge to practice diligent oral hygiene
habits during pregnancy, Risqa advises expectant mothers to
continue brushing their teeth twice daily using a soft bristled
toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

"If toothpaste gags you, brushing your teeth without
toothpaste, but more frequently also helps," she said, adding
that one should also floss regularly and gently brush the tongue
to cleanse it of bacteria.

After a bout of nausea, it is advisable to rinse the mouth
with either plain water or antiseptic mouthwash to freshen the
mouth and protect the teeth from stomach acids.

However, avoid brushing the teeth for about 60 minutes after
stomach acid exposure, as brushing before the acid in the mouth
has been neutralized may actually cause some tooth enamel loss.

Regular dental cleaning and checkups, however, can be done
safely at any time during the pregnancy and will keep the teeth
and gums healthy during and after pregnancy, Armasastra said.

"But you must inform your dentist that you are pregnant," he
quickly added.

The best time to visit the dentist may be between the fourth
to sixth months of pregnancy, since few pregnancy concerns occur
during this period.

A healthy diet can also help ensure the health of your teeth,
as well as your baby's, Risqa said.

A baby's teeth begin to form at around five to six weeks of
pregnancy, and permanent teeth begin to form at 12 weeks and
continue developing for eight years.

So, it is advisable to eat a balanced diet of grain products,
vegetables and fruits, milk products, and meats, and be extremely
cautious about any medications you are taking as they can
dramatically and permanently alter your baby's teeth.