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Will
pregnancy affect my oral health?
Expectant
mothers (and women who take some oral contraceptives)
experience elevated levels of the hormones estrogen and
progesterone. This causes the gums to react differently
to the bacteria found in plaque, and in many cases can
cause a condition known as "pregnancy gingivitis."
Symptoms include swollen, red gums and bleeding of the
gums when you brush. Remember that the bacteria in plaque
(not hormones) is what causes gingivitis. Brush twice
a day and floss before you go to bed to help avoid plaque
buildup.
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What
are "pregnancy tumors"?
Pregnancy
tumors (pyogenic granuloma) are rare, usually painless
lesions that may develop on your gums in response to plaque.
Although they are not cancerous, they should be treated.
Pregnancy tumors usually subside shortly after childbirth.
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Could
gingivitis affect my baby's health?
New
research suggests a link between pre-term, low birth weight
babies and gingivitis. Excessive bacteria, which causes
gingivitis, can enter the bloodstream through your mouth
(gums). If this happens, the bacteria can travel to the
uterus, triggering the production of chemicals called
"prostaglandins," which are suspected to induce
premature labor.
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Should
I receive dental treatment while I'm pregnant?
Good
oral health care is vital during your pregnancy. Continue
with your regular dental cleaning and check-ups to avoid
oral infections that can affect the fetus, such as gingivitis
and periodontal disease. Dentists recommend that major
dental treatments that aren't urgent be postponed until
after your child is born. The first trimester, the stage
of pregnancy in which most of the baby's organs are formed,
is the most crucial to your baby's development, so it
is best to have procedures performed during the second
trimester to minimize any potential risk.
Dental
work is not recommended during the third trimester because
the dental chair tends to be too uncomfortable for the
mother. If you lie back, the chair may cut off circulation
by placing pressure on the vein that returns blood to
the heart from the lower part of your body.
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If
I do need treatment, what drugs are safe?
Be
extremely cautious of all drugs during pregnancy. If you
have gingivitis or perio-dontal disease, your dentist
may want to treat you more often to achieve healthy gums
and a healthy baby. Although dental anesthetics such as
novocaine or lidocaine can enter the placenta, which filters
out most drugs, the doses used in most dental procedures
are considered safe. If you need to have dental work done
during your pregnancy, research has shown that some acceptable
antibiotics include penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin,
but avoid tetracycline, which can cause discoloration
of your child's temporary and permanent teeth. Products
containing cetaminophen, such as Tylenol, are approved,
but you should be wary of other over-the-counter medications
such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Avoid using narcotics for
dental pain until your child is carried to term.
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Who
can I talk to?
If
you have any concerns about treatment or medications,
make sure to ask your dentist or physician before receiving
treatment. Most dental procedures are safe during pregnancy.
Remember, the healthier your mouth is, the healthier and
happier your pregnancy
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