Toothache During Pregnancy

:lifestyle.iloveindia.com

2012/09/22

969

It is a general myth that dental care during pregnancy might harm the child, which is why most women are reluctant to undergo dental treatment during pregnancy and tend to postpone the visit to dentist, until after the delivery. Toothache during pregnancy is not an unusual phenomenon. During pregnancy, there is a rise in hormone levels in the body, which makes the gum and teeth more susceptible to bacterial infection. The body suffers from high stress levels during pregnancy; a toothache adds further stress to the body. Any dental problem during pregnancy if left untreated can negatively impact the unborn child and can also cause several other complications. However, dental treatment or diagnosis involving x-ray and extensive restorative or cosmetic dental procedures should be avoided during pregnancy. In the following lines, we have given detailed information about some of the common dental problems during pregnancy.

Dental Problems During Pregnancy

There are a number of oral health conditions related with pregnancy. Most of these problems can be easily prevented by maintaining proper oral hygiene and consulting you dentist frequently during the course of pregnancy.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

It is a common condition which affects women during pregnancy. This condition results from bacterial infection and can be treated if diagnosed at an early stage. Symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis include:

Red, swollen or tender gums
Sensation of loose teeth
Spaces between teeth
Receding gums
Bad breath
Pus along the gums
Change in bite

Pregnancy gingivitis if left untreated suffers from the risk of turning into periodontal disease. Consult your dentist if you start noticing these symptoms.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is characterized by deterioration of bones surrounding gum tissue. Periodontal disease may have symptoms or it may also be asymptotic and can easily go unnoticed. Periodontal disease increases the risk of pre-term labor and low-weight babies. Symptoms of periodontal disease are:

Bleeding gums
Inflamed gums
Tender gums
Chronic bad breath
Tooth Loss
Infection

Pyogenic Granuloma

Pregnant women with gingivitis and periodontal disease are more prone to pyogenic granuloma or pregnancy tumor. It usually occurs in the second trimester. A pregnancy tumor can show up anywhere in the mouth, but it is usually restricted to the gum line. The symptom of pregnancy tumor is a red swelling anywhere in the mouth. The tumor may bleed or grow large. There is a chance that pregnancy tumor might shrink after delivery. However they can also be removed by dental cleaning. By following some simple steps listed below you can effectively reduce your chance of getting a pregnancy tumor.

Have regular dental cleaning to remove tartar.
Visit your dentist during second trimester for a cleaning.

Effective Dental Care Tips

It is advisable to brush and floss at least two times a day. This would not only help prevent the accumulation of bacteria on and around the teeth, but also avert any major dental problems
Warm water or antibacterial mouthwash rinse is recommended for a healthy dental condition. Indulging in this would also help avert morning sickness and vomiting.
Include lots of fruits and vegetables that are rich in calcium, B12 and vitamin C. This is a perfect way to have healthy gums.