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.