It is recommended to have your teeth treated by a dentist when preparing for pregnancy. However, it happens that a doctor’s help is required while carrying a baby. A lost filling, a chipped tooth, gum inflammation and other problems require immediate attention, as they threaten complications and more expensive treatment in the future. There is no need to postpone a visit to the doctor until the postpartum period, because then the young mother will have much less time for herself.
Is it necessary to treat teeth during pregnancy?
When carrying a baby, the condition of your teeth may worsen already in the first trimester due to hormonal changes. Increased level progesterone leads to increased blood supply to body tissues, including gums. They become loose, which provokes gingivitis, stomatitis, and exacerbation of caries. With poor oral hygiene and poor heredity, teeth quickly deteriorate and fall out. Their enamel becomes sensitive to hot, cold, and sour foods.
Hormones also affect the amount and pH of saliva. There is more of it, the balance shifts towards acidity. In the absence of preventive and therapeutic measures Hard plaque and tartar quickly form, which can lead to tooth loss. In the 2nd and 3rd trimester, there is a lack of calcium, which also leads to tooth decay.
Expectant mothers are wondering whether dental treatment and prosthetics are necessary during pregnancy, or whether these procedures can be postponed. Doctors recommend coming for examinations at least once every three months, or with specific complaints. The decision about dental intervention is made individually, based on the problem and condition of the pregnant woman. Often manipulations are carried out immediately, using local anesthesia. Sometimes treatment is postponed until the postpartum months.
When is the best time to go to the doctor?
A dental examination is required when registering during pregnancy (6-12 weeks). If until this time the expectant mother is not worried about anything, she does not need to see a doctor. During the examination, the doctor may reveal:
Also, the expectant mother should consult a doctor with acute and aching pain. In this case, pulpitis or periodontitis is diagnosed (complications of caries that gradually affect neighboring tissues). In severe situations, periostitis and osteomyelitis are possible - severe purulent processes that are observed in the absence of treatment for caries complications.
When dental problems are identified, the doctor carries out sanitation, which is recorded in the pregnant woman’s chart. In difficult cases, treatment is carried out immediately. If possible, the procedure is postponed until the second trimester. At this time, the placenta is formed, which protects the baby from the effects of anesthesia. Early toxicoses pass, and the expectant mother feels well and can sit in a chair for the allotted time.
1st trimester
In the 1st trimester, the organs and tissues of the fetus are formed. It is highly undesirable to treat teeth until the fertilized egg is implanted. Anxiety and stress expectant mother, as well as the anesthetics used, also affect the health of the fetus and can provoke an early miscarriage. Dental intervention is also undesirable for 8-12 weeks.
If possible, filling is postponed until the second trimester. An exception is made when acute pain, pulpitis, periodontitis, which cannot be ignored. Ultracaine is often used as a freezing agent in the first trimester - the most safe drug for the fetus. Lidocaine, popular in dentistry, is not used because it leads to increased blood pressure and increased heart rate.
2nd trimester
Prevention is carried out in the second trimester dental diseases and treat teeth whose condition threatens to worsen at 30-38 weeks. If there is no risk, manipulations are postponed by the dentist until the postpartum months. Small pockets of caries can be cured without an injection. The doctor carefully removes the lesion using a drill and places a filling without touching the nerve endings. Thanks to modern equipment, filling is painless and comfortable.
3rd trimester
A period of intense fetal growth, during which the expectant mother experiences increasing fatigue. In a lying or half-sitting position, the fetal pressure on the inferior vena cava and aorta increases, which leads to palpitations, migraines, and sometimes even loss of consciousness. The sensitivity of the uterus to external influences increases, which sometimes leads to premature birth.
Treatment in the third trimester is indicated in extreme cases(it is advisable to carry out manipulations before 36 weeks):
- irreversible processes in which it is important to remove dead tissue;
- purulent inflammation;
- unbearable pain.
What procedures do not affect the fetus?
Treating teeth while expecting a baby is not dangerous. At the appointment, the expectant mother should tell the doctor what stage of pregnancy she is at, inform about her state of health and the medications she is taking. The information will allow the doctor to choose the optimal treatment tactics.
Pregnant women are allowed to remove soft plaque, fill teeth, treat gum disease, gumboil, pulpitis and periodontitis, and remove teeth. The issue of prosthetics is decided individually.
It is important not to refuse anesthesia and not to endure painful sensations, especially when treating teeth for long periods (35-36 weeks). Pain leads to the release of adrenaline into the blood, which increases the tone of the uterus. This negatively affects the condition of the fetus.
Permitted types of anesthesia
When prescribing an anesthetic, the dentist will take into account allergic reaction expectant mother for medications. At high blood pressure Novocaine is allowed (we recommend reading: how to use Novocaine for toothache?). If the pain bothers you at home, you can take No-shpu, Spazmalgon, Paracetamol, Nurofen in the doses recommended by your doctor. It is prohibited to use Lidocaine, Septanest, Imudon, and Sodium Fluoride during any period of pregnancy. Drugs can lead to pathology and negatively affect the fetus.
Is it possible to do x-rays?
Dental ultrasound is not performed on pregnant women. To assess their condition, the doctor uses x-rays, which show the location and condition of the roots, dental canals, hidden carious cavities. The procedure is done after 12 weeks using radiovisiographs - modern devices that give a minimal dose of radiation. In this case, the patient is covered with a lead apron, highly sensitive film is used, and the necessary photographs are taken simultaneously.
Removal of a tooth
Tooth extraction – last resort, which is resorted to only in the most serious cases. Thanks to modern anesthetics, the procedure is painless, but very exciting for the expectant mother. In order for the hole to heal quickly and properly, you must follow your doctor’s recommendations for oral care after surgery. Teeth can be removed according to indications at any time. The anesthetic Lidocaine, popular in dentistry, is not used. It can disrupt blood pressure and heart function, leading to shortness of breath, vomiting, rashes, and migraines.
Treatment of caries
Crown caries and its complications negatively affect the course of pregnancy and become a source of infection, purulent inflammation and pain. The pain itself does not affect the fetus, but leads to discomfort for the mother, which is transmitted to the baby. Infection and inflammation are much more difficult. They can lead to various pathologies.
Caries during pregnancy can be treated at any time, but it is better in the second trimester. For depulpation and complicated forms, anesthesia is used. The use of arsenic is unacceptable. There are no restrictions in the choice of fillings. The doctor will select either chemical filling materials or light-curing fillings.
Is it possible to put crowns?
Dental prosthetics during pregnancy have no contraindications. Orthopedic dentists perform procedures painlessly and safely for health. However, it is important to remember that the gums are swollen during this period, and the impressions may be incorrect. This will lead to discomfort when installing and using finished prostheses. Whether it is possible to insert teeth, place veneers and onlays, and from how many months to do this, the orthopedist will determine during an individual consultation.
Other restrictions you should be aware of
Row dental procedures prohibited for pregnant women. Among them:
- orthodontic treatment (installation of braces, correction of bite, normalization of the functions of the dental system is undesirable);
- teeth whitening;
- implantation and other manipulations where required general anesthesia;
- removal of tartar using highly abrasive and chemical devices.
It is extremely undesirable to remove “eights” (wisdom teeth) during embroidery. It is often accompanied by swelling, bleeding and other complications, after which you need to take antibiotics. The time of removal is agreed upon with the gynecologist.
This may be the 2nd or 3rd trimester when freezing is not reflected intrauterine development fetus They tear out a crooked growing tooth, which interferes with the neighboring one and causes inflammation of the gums, as well as the “eight” with deep caries crowns
Prevention of dental diseases
Healthy teeth during pregnancy are the result of proper care and timely preventive treatment. To preserve them and forget what caries, gingivitis, and dental cysts are, you should follow the recommendations:
- brushing your teeth 2 times a day using a brush and toothpaste selected by your doctor;
- using dental floss;
- thoroughly rinse the mouth after vomiting caused by toxicosis;
- a diet rich in calcium and phosphorus;
- A decoction of chamomile, St. John's wort, and oregano for rinsing will help strengthen the gums;
- taking vitamins A, C, D, E and mineral complexes for pregnant;
- self-massage of gums and teeth.
The future father should also undergo oral sanitation. Dentists explain why this is necessary. Rotten teeth and unhealthy gums are a source of infection that can be transmitted to a newborn. Close contact with the baby (hugs, rocking, kissing) is only permissible if the teeth are healthy.
The issue of dental treatment during pregnancy causes a lot of controversy. Expectant mothers are afraid of harming the child, because dental treatment usually occurs with the use of anesthesia. But the opinion of gynecologists and dentists is adamant: it is possible to treat a pregnant woman’s teeth; this is a necessary measure for the full development of the fetus and the health of the expectant mother.
It’s good if the pregnancy is planned in advance, and the expectant mother takes her health with full responsibility, understanding that her health is the health of the baby and the guarantee of it normal development from the very first days.
But families do not always plan pregnancy, and often a woman has to heal her teeth while already pregnant. Many expectant mothers avoid visiting the dentist, naively believing that any doctor’s intervention, especially pain-relieving injections and anesthesia, can harm the child.
In fact, untreated teeth are much more harmful to a woman’s body and fetus, since infection in oral cavity can lead to local inflammation, and subsequently to infection and intoxication of the entire body.
Photo: Bad teeth have a bad effect on the fetus
On early stages, when the placenta has not yet fully formed and cannot serve as a protective barrier for the fetus, there is a high probability of damage to fetal tissue.
Unfavorable factors
The main unfavorable factor that is responsible for tooth decay during pregnancy is hormonal changes in the body.
Hormonal changes - natural process aimed at the full development of the fetus. But at the same time, changes at the hormonal level negatively affect the condition of a woman’s teeth and oral cavity.
In this situation, even healthy and pre-treated teeth are subject to destruction, and infection in the oral cavity only activates the processes of destruction. Why is this happening?
The formation of the child’s skeleton occurs due to calcium found in the mother’s plasma. If there is not enough calcium in the plasma, the process of leaching calcium from the mother’s skeletal system begins.
Calcium absorption occurs with the required amount of magnesium and phosphorus. IN accessible form calcium, magnesium and phosphorus are found in skeletal system, including the mother’s teeth. IN normal conditions When there is a lack of minerals, saliva delivers them to the oral cavity.
During pregnancy, a woman changes the production, acidity and composition of saliva. A change in acidity promotes the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity. The consequence of this process is the thinning of tooth enamel and the rapid development of caries.
In the first trimester of pregnancy, gynecologists usually prescribe a maintenance vitamin course, which should not be neglected under any circumstances.
The choice of a dentist should be taken responsibly. The selected specialist must thoroughly know the techniques of dental treatment for pregnant women, the timing at which treatment can be carried out, and painkillers approved for expectant mothers.
Video: is it possible or not?
What dental diseases can be treated during pregnancy?
The following symptoms may be a reason to visit the dentist during pregnancy:
- bleeding gums, which can be observed when brushing teeth or eating;
- tooth sensitivity, pain response to cold and hot;
- toothache , periodic or constant.
All these symptoms indicate the beginning of the inflammatory process. During pregnancy, it is necessary to treat any diseases of the oral cavity. The timing and method of treatment is determined by the doctor, and visiting a dentist in the early stages of the disease is the key to successful treatment and preservation of teeth.
A late visit to the dentist can lead to dire consequences. For example, with shallow caries, treatment can be carried out without anesthesia; with a deep degree of damage, the nerve will need to be removed, in which case an injection of anesthesia will be required.
There are no restrictions when choosing a filling. You can choose a “chemical” filling or a light-curing composition. The lamps used for the light method are not dangerous to the fetus.
We list the diseases that can be treated during pregnancy:
- caries - infection, consequences - inflammation of the jaw bone and problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
- pulpitis and periodontitis- complications of caries, inflammation of the dental nerve, accompanied by acute pain;
- odontogenic periostitis- a consequence of caries, expressed in inflammation of the periosteum (flux), which can lead to tooth extraction;
- periodontal disease and periodontitis- inflammation of the gums and bone tissue responsible for tooth retention, leads to intoxication of the body as a whole, contributes to the development of rheumatism and diseases of the heart, joints, affects immune system body;
- gingivitis- inflammation of the mucous membrane of the gums, a common disease in pregnant women;
- stomatitis- local damage to the oral mucosa; the mechanism of the disease has not been fully identified; it is considered a disease of weak immunity.
Photo: caries, pulpitis and periodontitis require treatment during pregnancy
Removal of a tooth surgically performed with anesthesia in the second trimester of pregnancy, when the placenta is fully formed and protects the fetus from negative factors.
During the gestation period, you can have prosthetic teeth. Prosthetics has no contraindications, with the exception of dental implantation. To implant implants, the body spends energy, which is necessary for the development of the baby.
Prohibited procedures during pregnancy include all cosmetic dentistry procedures:
- strengthening and whitening enamel,
- removal of dental stone,
- correction of the bite and position of the teeth.
This is due to the use of special chemicals which are contraindicated for pregnant women.
Dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth at the stage of planning and preparing for pregnancy. But the removal of diseased teeth is necessary, but surgical intervention is not performed in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Prohibited drugs
If we talk about prohibited drugs, we can highlight:
- Sodium fluoride;
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that is not recommended during pregnancy due to a number of side effects:
- muscle weakness,
- convulsions,
- labored breathing,
- a sharp drop in pressure.
Stopangin contains two main substances - hexetidine and methyl salicylate.
And if the first is safe and even useful for pregnant women, since it destroys fungi and bacteria without consequences, then the second refers to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Non-steroidal drugs cause a teratogenic effect, that is, they contribute to the appearance of deformities and pathologies of the fetus. Side effect The drug may cause pregnancy to continue.
Sodium fluoride is an anti-caries agent; in dentistry it is used to strengthen tooth enamel.
IN Food Industry Sodium fluoride is used in production technology drinking water, the drug is also added to toothpastes. Large doses of sodium fluoride can disrupt the functioning of the heart and negatively affect the fetus.
Strengthening enamel at home Sodium fluoride can completely destroy tooth enamel and lead to tooth loss.
Imudon is an immunomodulating agent used to treat diseases of the oral cavity.
There are others medical supplies, which only at first glance seem harmless. During pregnancy, medications should only be taken as prescribed and under the supervision of a physician.
When is it possible?
In the first trimester, the placenta is still forming and cannot serve as a protective barrier from negative influences. In the third trimester, a woman’s body is already quite exhausted and the general physiological condition may become a contraindication.
If urgent medical intervention is necessary, the duration of pregnancy does not play a role. The only question is choosing the right treatment technique and medications.
When treating teeth and oral diseases in the first and third trimesters, the dentist will need Additional Information and recommendations from a gynecologist about the woman’s condition and fetal development.
In the first trimester
During the first trimester, the formation and laying of soft tissues, organs and systems of the unborn baby occurs; the placenta is not yet formed.
Entry into a woman's body medicines may have a negative effect on the fetus, so treatment is not recommended. An exception may be emergency cases associated with acute pain.
But diseases such as periodontitis and pulpitis require immediate treatment. Consequences infectious infection and intoxication of the body is much more dangerous than exposure medical drugs.
Treatment of caries can be postponed until the second trimester if the disease is not accompanied by pain.
In the second trimester
The period of the second trimester is the most the right time for dental treatment, when a woman must undergo an examination by a specialist.
The dentist is obliged to heal not only teeth in critical condition, but also to assess the condition of the oral cavity and possible exacerbations in the subsequent third trimester of pregnancy.
In the third trimester
Treatment and removal of teeth in the third trimester is not recommended due to the special sensitivity of the uterus to all types of external influence, including medications.
In the third trimester, there is an increase in pressure on the aorta by the fetus. To reduce pressure, dental treatment should not be performed in the traditional supine position.
The woman should be in the dental chair, turning towards left side. This measure will reduce the risk of possible fainting during the procedure and prevent a decrease in blood pressure.
Should also be taken into account general state women. In the third trimester, the mother’s body is quite exhausted, and stress during dental treatment can provoke a deterioration in the physiological condition.
Radiography in pregnant women
X-rays are contraindicated during pregnancy.
It is prohibited to conduct research in the first trimester. If necessary to do X-ray However, if this occurs, a lead apron must be used to protect the abdomen and pelvic area.
The best option would be to choose a clinic where dental photographs are taken using a radiovisiograph - a modern device with minimum indicator radiation.
Video: radiography and anesthesia during pregnancy
Treatment with a painkiller injection
The question of whether it is possible to treat teeth during pregnancy with anesthesia has been resolved. But what painkillers can be used for treatment? The danger of using painkillers lies not only in the effect on the fetus, but also in the fact that they constrict blood vessels.
Drugs should be used for anesthesia in pregnant women local action, do not penetrate the placenta barrier, with a low degree of impact on blood vessels.
Such drugs include Ultracain and Ubistezin.
When visiting the dentist, it is necessary to indicate the exact stage of pregnancy; the choice of drug will depend on this.
You should know that treatment under general anesthesia is strictly prohibited. Ask what medications the dentist uses.
Prevention and dental care at home
The condition of the oral cavity during pregnancy deteriorates sharply not only due to hormonal changes and the body's expenses for fetal development.
Oddly enough, dental diseases often appear due to the fault of the woman herself.
Photo: Dental hygiene during pregnancy
Regular care, as it was before pregnancy, is no longer enough. During pregnancy, your diet, frequency of meals and daily diet changes, which means you should reconsider methods of prevention and dental care at home.
What to pay attention to:
- Brushing your teeth should be done twice a day;
- use after meals dental floss and rinsing agents;
- use toothbrush normal or soft degree of hardness;
- do not use whitening pastes for daily care;
- purchase therapeutic and prophylactic toothpastes;
- do not use one brand of toothpaste;
- include dairy products in your diet to get daily norm calcium;
- do not neglect taking vitamins and microelements prescribed by your doctor.
To prevent gum inflammation, you can massage.
To do this, apply a little toothpaste to the gums, after which a large and index fingers movements are performed towards the gum. Movements should be light, massage is performed daily for 5-7 minutes.
Pharmacy preparations for the oral cavity can be replaced with homemade elixirs. For example, an infusion of a mixture of St. John's wort, mint and oregano will strengthen gums and prevent caries. The ingredients are taken in equal parts and brewed with boiling water, the decoction should steep for an hour.
Video: dental care during pregnancy
The effect of diseased teeth on the fetus
The negative impact of caries, as well as its complications - pulpitis and periodontitis, on the development of the fetus has long been proven by scientists.
Untreated caries threatens a woman premature birth and low fetal weight at birth. Periodontitis and pulpitis contribute to the spread of infection throughout the maternal body, intoxication and damage to the soft tissues of the fetus.
Gingivitis, a gum disease, often results from hormonal changes in pregnant women. Bacterial breakdown products have the ability to enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation of a woman’s gums and negatively affecting fetal tissue.
In severe cases, infection can lead to termination of pregnancy. The same processes occur with stomatitis, so any diseases of the oral cavity must be treated immediately.
We must not forget about the stressful state of a woman during exacerbation of oral diseases and the occurrence of acute pain. Pain can cause changes in the body of a woman and fetus at a physiological level. When pain occurs, an additional release of hormones occurs, which can negatively affect the development of the fetus.
Even in normal times, dental treatment causes trepidation for many: it is pain, stress, and so on. What can we say about pregnancy? Many women firmly believe that they should never have dental treatment during pregnancy. It is believed that anesthesia, x-rays and other attributes of visiting a dentist have a bad effect on the health and development of the fetus. And what is the result?
As a result, a woman who has a toothache during pregnancy refuses to treat it and neglects pathological process. And then she suffers from the fact that during pregnancy the baby “ruined all her teeth and pulled out calcium.” But everything is much simpler: if teeth are left untreated for so long, they will inevitably decay.
Not only is it possible, but it is also necessary. After all, gradual tooth decay is far from the worst thing that can happen if teeth are not treated. Any problems in the oral cavity - be it pain, caries, bleeding gums or something else - are, first of all, a source of inflammation, a source of infection. And you probably know very well how infection affects the fetus.
The infection spreads throughout the body with food or blood, if the destruction has already gone far enough and the source of infection is located near the root of the tooth, blood vessels and bone tissue.
In addition, the presence of an infection in the oral cavity will come back to haunt the woman and her child after childbirth: the baby is always next to the mother, she kisses him, hugs him, and cuddles him. And, therefore, they constantly exchange microflora, including infection from the teeth, which enters the child’s body.
Anesthesia for dental treatment during pregnancy
For women who are planning to conceive, doctors recommend sanitizing their oral cavity. Carious teeth are the source of chronic infection, which can worsen during pregnancy. If the moment is missed, you need to visit the dentist already in the 1st trimester.
The most frightening thing about dental treatment is the pain that the dentist can cause. Is it possible for pregnant women to have their teeth treated with anesthesia and an anesthetic injection? Of course it’s possible, it’s worth even saying that it’s necessary. After all, pain and, mainly, its anticipation, fear - this is stress and extra nerves that the expectant mother does not need at all. Stress has a very negative impact on the baby.
Of course, no one will give a pregnant woman general anesthesia simply to save her from suffering in the dental chair. The consequences of such a step are not comparable to any dental surgery.
Dental treatment in pregnant women does not always require pain relief, but if the caries is deep, it is used infiltration anesthesia. The doctor injects the medicine into the gum tissue through a thin needle. It acts locally on the nerve endings that approach the roots of the tooth.
The following local anesthetics are used:
- Trimecaine;
- Novocaine;
- Lidocaine;
- Articaine;
- Bupivacaine.
They do not enter the systemic circulation, so there is no risk negative action for the fetus, regardless of the trimester of pregnancy. An exception is the drug Bupivacaine, in some cases it causes bradycardia in the fetus during later, therefore not recommended for pregnant women. Other contraindications to anesthesia – allergy to the drug, severe diabetes or pathology of the heart and blood vessels.
To enhance the effect of the anesthetic, it can be produced in a mixture with a small concentration of adrenaline. This hormone constricts blood vessels, increasing the duration of anesthesia. But for a pregnant woman, even in low concentrations, it is not recommended due to the possibility of spasm of placental vessels and reduced blood flow.
If a pregnant woman has not had her teeth treated before conception, it is better to do this as early as possible during pregnancy. A source of chronic infection can cause complications in postpartum period, and increased calcium consumption will lead to accelerated destruction of diseased teeth.
X-ray
The second thing that frightens pregnant women during dental treatment is. Everyone now knows about the dangers of X-ray radiation, however, the seriousness of the situation is greatly exaggerated.
We are talking about a small, directed, almost point-like radiation, while the woman’s neck and chest are protected by a lead apron. This reduces all risks to a minimum. Therefore, dental x-rays during pregnancy cannot harm the fetus.
Dental treatment for an expectant mother
Of course, dental treatment for pregnant women requires much more from the dentist than in the case of an ordinary patient. It is necessary to have some experience in this area, to know exactly which drugs can be used in this or that case, to imagine what needs to be done if something goes wrong.
In addition, a woman in interesting position you need to be able to tell simply and clearly what exactly needs to be done in her case, how the procedure will be carried out and what will be done to protect the child. The specialist should be able to calm the woman if she suddenly gets scared. By and large, a dentist who treats pregnant women should in many ways also be a psychologist.
Since much attention is now being paid to disseminating information about dental health, more and more women are beginning to closely monitor their oral health during pregnancy and seek treatment from a dentist. Demand, as they say, creates supply. Therefore, in many cities today there are already departments and special doctors to receive pregnant patients.
Is it possible for pregnant women to have teeth removed and inserted?
It’s good if the problem was localized at the very beginning. Then it will be enough to drill out the affected area of the tooth, close the hole with a filling and that’s it. Modern materials for fillings do not in any way affect the health of the mother and child.
What if the tooth is already neglected and caries has reached the roots of the tooth? Then you will have to remove the nerves, take several pictures, and only then fill it. Unfortunately, removing nerves is a really painful procedure, and removing discomfort It’s unlikely that even a painkiller injection can.
If the situation is completely complicated, the tooth will have to be removed. Is it possible to remove or pull out a tooth for pregnant women? Of course you can. There are no contraindications to this. However, doctors, as a rule, try to avoid this procedure to the last minute. Replacing an existing, albeit severely damaged, tooth is always easier than inserting a new one. However, sometimes it is impossible to avoid tooth extraction during pregnancy.
Is it possible for pregnant women to have teeth inserted? Again, there are no direct contraindications. However, doctors will most likely try to dissuade you. The fact is that the absence of a tooth, provided that the gums are healthy, does not in any way threaten the health of the mother and child. And despite everything dental procedures are as harmless as possible, it is still advisable to postpone the optional ones until better times, namely until you give birth and stop.
A separate article is the removal of wisdom teeth during pregnancy. Removal itself is a complex procedure. What can we say about when it is necessary to remove a tooth that is basically healthy and firmly holding its place, and even when it is partially covered by the gum. Such an operation can cause complications, including a rise in temperature. And during pregnancy this is extremely undesirable. Therefore, if the situation is not critical, then the operation is postponed until the postpartum period.
When is the best time to treat teeth during pregnancy?
When can pregnant women have their teeth treated? Strictly speaking, this can be done at any time. However, as you probably remember, pregnancy is conventionally divided into three periods - trimesters. IN
The question of whether it is possible and whether it is worth treating the teeth of pregnant women in the early stages causes disagreement and debate. It is widely discussed among patients. The treatment process today rarely takes place without anesthesia, and the fear of expectant mothers to harm the baby is quite obvious. But gynecologists and dentists are unanimous in their opinion - it’s not just possible to treat pregnant women’s teeth, but absolutely necessary. And the earlier this treatment is carried out, the better for the mother’s body and the baby’s health.
Beginning of pregnancy and dental health
The ideal option is when the pregnancy is planned in advance, and even before conception the woman undergoes deep examinations, completely cures her teeth and takes everything necessary measures to protect the course of pregnancy and make it easy. But, unfortunately, it doesn't always work out perfectly. And pregnancy is not planned in all cases. The teeth, however, while in position, must be treated. And here questions and concerns arise.
Important! The full development of the child in the womb largely depends on the absence of dental problems in the mother. Early dental treatment, if it was not carried out before conception, is a mandatory procedure.
Many women, having become pregnant, begin to avoid the dentist, citing the fact that anesthesia harms the fetus. But what happens if teeth are not treated?
- An infection occurs in the mouth.
- Local inflammation occurs.
- The outbreak spreads and the entire body becomes infected.
- Intoxication occurs.
- Since the placenta is not fully formed, damage to fetal tissue is almost inevitable.
It is in the early stages of pregnancy untreated teeth present greatest danger for the baby. And it is during this period that maximum tooth decay is possible.
Due to the hormonal changes that a pregnant woman undergoes, the balance of substances changes. This process is aimed at a single goal - the full development of the embryo. But the condition of teeth deteriorates almost instantly, and even healthy dental tissues are destroyed, and even more so those affected by caries.
The baby's skeleton is formed with the participation of calcium, which is contained in maternal plasma. If there is a lack of calcium, it is washed out of the maternal skeleton, bone and dental tissues, destroying them.
By the way. Calcium is not the only element consumed in large quantities for the life of the fetus. Its absorption is effective with the participation of magnesium and phosphorus, which are also replenished from the teeth.
When there is no pregnancy, mineral components are delivered to the mouth by the salivary stream. But after conception, force majeure begins for the body, which changes everything - the qualitative composition of saliva, the speed and quantity of its influx. As a result of these changes, in addition to the outflow of calcium from dental tissues, the enamel layer becomes thinner, and caries develops at a rapid pace.
Important. At the initial stage, pregnant women are prescribed a vitamin and mineral course, which should not be neglected. It is designed to at least to some extent support the body, replenishing a certain amount of consumed elements.
How a bad tooth can affect a child
The detrimental effect of complicated caries, pulpitis and other dental diseases on the condition of the fetus and its proper development proven.
Do not forget about the stressful situation when pain occurs. Severe pain can cause physiological changes, both in the body of women and children.
First trimester – visiting the dentist
Complete sanitation of the oral cavity is a strong recommendation that gynecologists give to all pregnant women who come to register. In addition, at the first signs of dental disease, a pregnant woman should consult a dentist immediately.
When contacting, you should carefully choose a doctor who:
- thoroughly familiar with treatment techniques;
- knows when certain manipulations can be performed;
- uses only painkillers approved during pregnancy.
When to go to the doctor
Several symptoms can serve as signals for an urgent visit to the dentist at the initial stage of pregnancy.
- Gums bleed when brushing or while eating.
- An individual tooth or group reacts to stimuli with pain.
- The tooth hurts periodically or all the time.
These three indicators signal the onset of inflammation, which must be stopped as soon as possible.
Table. Dental diseases that need treatment
| Disease | Description | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| A developing infection that damages dental tissue. | An inflammatory process that covers the entire jaw and goes deep into the jawbone. Serious problems with the gastrointestinal tract. |
| Complications arising from carious lesions. | The nerve becomes inflamed, the process is accompanied by severe pain and destruction of the tooth to the base. |
| It is also a complicated type of carious process. | The periosteum becomes inflamed. Flux is formed, which entails tooth loss. |
| The process of inflammation of the gum tissue that holds the tooth. | It threatens with intoxication, loosening and loss of teeth. |
| The gum mucosa becomes inflamed. | Exposure of the dental neck, inflammation of the gums. The disease develops into full-blown periodontal disease. |
| Focal local ulcers on the mucous membrane throughout the oral cavity. | Immunity weakens and secondary infections occur. The disease progresses to aphthous stomatitis. |
What is possible, what is not
Failure to visit the dentist in a timely manner will certainly lead to bad consequences. As for the consequences of treatment, shallow caries, for example, can be cured without anesthesia at all. You can choose any material for a filling at all stages of pregnancy (“the horror story” that pregnant women cannot be given “chemical” fillings is a pure myth). A light-cured filling will not cause harm at any time - these lamps are not dangerous to the fetus.
Important! Surgical procedure, which should be left for the second trimester, waiting for the placenta to fully form, is tooth extraction. But if the indications for removal are urgent, the operation is performed using anesthetics allowed for pregnant women.
There are no contraindications for the entire period and any type of prosthetics, with the exception of implantation. There is nothing dangerous in the implants themselves and the methods of their installation, but the engraftment foreign bodies Over the course of several months, the body will spend too much energy on the development of the fetus. Therefore, especially in the first half of pregnancy, implants should not be installed.
Prohibited procedures in the 1st trimester.
- Bleaching.
- Strengthening the enamel layer.
- Removing tartar.
- Bite correction.
- Tooth extraction without critical indications.
- Implantation.
There are a number medicines, which are prohibited for pregnant women, especially in the early stages.
It is least dangerous to plan dental therapy in the second trimester. In the first, the effectiveness and safety are reduced by an incompletely formed placenta. In the third, a weakened body interferes; the contraindication is general exhaustion and weakened physical state. But if urgent treatment or emergency intervention is needed, you need to go to the dentist at any time. It is only important that the doctor selects the correct therapy technique and uses approved medications.
Compromise
You should not avoid the dentist in the first stages and throughout your pregnancy. But apply aggressive methods treatment, especially in parts 1 and 3, is also not worth it. How to find a compromise? It is important to understand that during the initial period, the formation of all tissues, organs, and systems of the baby’s body takes place. Plus - the absence of a barrier in the form of a placenta. The supply of medications that will negatively affect the fetus is not inhibited in any way, so treatment that can wait until the second trimester, for example, mild caries, can wait. The exception is acute pain. But, as a rule, it occurs already with a deep carious lesion, which needs to be treated at all stages of pregnancy, if it has come to that.
Problems like acute periodontitis or pulpitis, without discussion, require immediate dental care.
There are several techniques that are used in dentistry during pregnancy. Thanks to them, dental therapy for pregnant women has its own characteristics.
Features of early treatment.
- Teeth should not be treated while lying in a chair on your back. To reduce the pressure, the patient should be turned on her left side. This will reduce the risk of fainting by avoiding a drop in blood pressure.
- It is necessary to take into account the general condition of the patient and assess her resistance to stress. Many people are afraid to have their teeth treated. The stress caused by the need for treatment can be so strong that it can cause a miscarriage in the early stages.
- In the first trimester, X-ray examinations, in particular x-rays, are contraindicated. If there is a clear need to take an x-ray, the abdomen and pelvis must be protected with a special apron.
- An ideal study is a radiovisiograph.
Radiovisiograph is a necessary device in the dentist’s office
Anesthesia allowed during pregnancy
The danger of anabolic steroids for the body of a pregnant woman and baby is not only in their negative impact on the latter, but also in the ability of some of them to constrict blood vessels. Anesthesia should include exclusively local drugs. They have low ability affect blood vessels and do not penetrate the placental barrier.
Two medications that can be used safely at all stages of pregnancy:
Video - Is it possible to treat teeth during pregnancy?
Something about hygiene
Only to appear in the womb developing embryo There is no point in writing off the deterioration of her teeth. Often, dental diseases are a direct consequence of a pregnant woman’s neglect of basic hygiene. Conventional, classic care, especially in the early stages, is not enough. Not only the rhythm of life, diet, and diet changes, but also the ways in which you need to care for your teeth.
- Teeth brushing must be done twice daily.
- At the end of each meal, floss is used to clear the interdental space.
- Rinse aids are used after eating or drinking.
- The brush is selected soft or medium hard.
- Hygiene of the entire cavity, cleaning of the tongue and gums is mandatory.
- Whitening pastes and products cannot be used.
- It is better to change toothpaste brands every month (along with changing your toothbrush).
- Periodically massage the gums.
- It is necessary to take vitamins.
- The diet should be adjusted to include sufficient quantity calcium.
Compliance with these ten rules, as well as close contact with the dentist and timely visits to the doctor will help to avoid serious intervention and minimize its consequences.
Video - Products with calcium for pregnant women
toothache during pregnancy, dental anesthesia during pregnancy, tooth extraction during pregnancy, dental x-ray during pregnancy, anesthesia during pregnancy, caries during pregnancy
It is perhaps difficult to find a person who has not learned from personal experience what toothache is. And those who have encountered it know: sometimes it’s difficult to wait until the morning to quickly get into the dentist’s chair. What can we say about abandoning the thought of treatment for several months - toothache during pregnancy does not wait or endure, but forces you to take the most urgent measures.
To begin with, let us note that the ideal option is when toothache never bothers you. This is quite realistic and easy to implement. All you need to do is contact to a good doctor, cure everything that might ever bother you and then go to an appointment twice a year as a preventive measure for professional hygiene. With this development of events, even the most small caries will not escape the eyes of an attentive doctor. Of course, it is best to treat teeth before pregnancy, without waiting for piercing unbearable pain.
And even if you were pregnant, you should still go to the dentist as planned, but not in the early stages, but in the second trimester. This is the time that is considered ideal for full dental treatment during pregnancy.
What to do if you have a toothache during pregnancy?
If you have a toothache during pregnancy, it would be good to know the contact information of a trusted doctor. It is very important. If you don’t have such a person in mind yet, make sure in advance that in case of acute toothache during pregnancy you have someone to call. A pregnant woman is an object increased attention for a doctor, and to be honest, this is not an ordinary patient at all. Your main task as a patient is to not lose your head at the moment of severe toothache and try to find, through friends and acquaintances, a trusted doctor whom you can turn to, and not run headlong to the nearest dental office. This is really very important.
Toothache during pregnancy: what can hurt?
Modern medical supplies and the drugs are quite neutral, thanks to which full dental treatment can be carried out during pregnancy. Let's repeat it again: the perfect time for scheduled visit– the second trimester, only because it is the most stable and predictable. But this rule does not apply to acute toothache during pregnancy and treatment can be carried out when needed. The unshakable works here medical rule: Treatment is justified when the benefits from it are greater than the expected harm. So, during pregnancy you have a toothache. The first thought is probably caries. Let us immediately note that small, barely noticeable, new caries painful sensations does not give. What you are sick with has probably been with you for a long time. Perhaps it pulpitis or periodontitis. In any case, this is a kind of permanent inflammation and a source of infection in the body of a pregnant woman. What is better: the supposed harm from treatment or a source of rotting and constant proliferation of bacteria in the mouth? For any doctor the answer is obvious. Therefore, the question of whether or not to treat teeth during pregnancy is not worth it for him. Definitely - treat!
Any inflammatory process in the body, including in the oral cavity, provokes an increase in the level of leukocytes in the blood. Surely this will confirm general analysis blood, which all expectant mothers regularly have to donate. Here we are talking not only about acute inflammations, which hurt, bother and do not let you forget about yourself, here we are also talking about chronic processes that can only be diagnosed. Without it, the doctor can only make a preliminary diagnosis. All of the above also sounds in favor of visiting a dentist before pregnancy. But if this fails, be sure to visit a specialist during pregnancy to get ahead of the pain and plan possible treatment before giving birth. However, if necessary, most dental procedures can be performed throughout the entire nine months.
Dental anesthesia during pregnancy
Let's start with dental anesthesia during pregnancy. It is often impossible to do without it. Good anesthesia- the basis of any treatment. If the patient is in pain, the doctor is unlikely to be able to carry out all the manipulations efficiently. For successful treatment, the doctor needs a calm, relaxed patient with his mouth wide open. And this is only possible in the absence of pain. Only extremely rare cases of allergies can force a doctor to refuse an injection with an anesthetic. Next we will answer main question: Is it possible to use anesthesia during pregnancy? So, dentists have modern painkillers in their arsenal that are not contraindicated for pregnant women. These drugs are non-toxic and are quickly eliminated from the body. And most importantly, they do not pass the hemoplacental barrier, and therefore are safe for the child. Before your appointment, be sure to tell your dentist about the specifics of your situation, possible allergies or reactions to anesthesia. If the doctor is dealing with ordinary caries during pregnancy, the treatment will be simple and quick. All manipulations (tooth preparation, drying, installation and “exposing” fillings) and preparations are used and performed at the local level and do not threaten the health of the mother and fetus.
Toothache during pregnancy: pulpitis or periodontitis?
It’s a completely different matter when it’s affected by caries. most of tooth tissue, the pain is unbearable, and at the appointment the doctor states: “You have pulpitis.” Surely, many of you have experienced this acute, throbbing toothache. Not only does it occur unexpectedly, it can rarely be suppressed with painkillers. The tooth hurts day and night, and nothing helps... If such severe toothache during pregnancy deprives you of sleep, the question of caries is no longer an issue; most likely, you are faced with another problem. These symptoms are united by the disease “pulpitis” - inflammation of the neurovascular bundle in the tooth. Pulpitis can also be characterized by pain when biting on a tooth. It is aching, dull or tugging, making it simply impossible to eat. What is important is that pulpitis always begins with minor caries. Most often, the diseased tooth has already been treated, and it seems to you that there is nothing to hurt there anymore.
In the case of pulpitis, when it becomes inflamed neurovascular bundle in the tooth, and periodontitis, when inflammation moves from the root canal to surrounding the tooth bone, root canal treatment is the main measure in eliminating this disease. The doctor discovers everything root canals in the tooth, expands them, disinfects and hermetically seals the root tips. Modern technique Treatment of pulpitis and periodontitis is carried out in one or two visits to the doctor. IN mandatory Root canal treatment is performed under anesthesia. Let us note that high-quality root canal treatment is simply impossible without x-ray examination. As a rule, the doctor takes at least three photographs during treatment - before, during the procedure and after it. This is necessary to make sure that all the canals are found, “passed” along the entire length and that there is no source of bacterial growth left inside the tooth. At the end of the procedure, the doctor will put a calcium-containing preparation into the pregnant woman’s tooth cavity, place a temporary filling, and invite her for an appointment after childbirth. It is important to understand here: if the treatment of pulpitis or periodontitis has stopped at an intermediate stage, do not delay visiting the doctor after the birth of the child. The temporary filling is not reliable. It should be replaced with a permanent one as soon as possible.
Dental X-ray during pregnancy
It is known and proven that X-ray radiation in large quantities negatively affects human body. However, this does not apply to modern dentistry. To take a photo in dental office, microdoses of X-ray radiation are used. They are so scanty that in Western dental clinics Doctors and assistants have long stopped using lead “aprons” for radiation protection. In modern clinics, in order to take an image, you do not need to go to another room: as a rule, x-rays are taken using a visiograph - a small device that hangs on the wall right in the doctor’s office. Studies have been repeatedly conducted that have proven that an X-ray of one tooth in terms of radiation volume corresponds to two hours spent in front of a TV or computer screen. Now consider how much time you spend in front of a screen and how much importance you attach to x-rays in dentistry. However, with all these facts in favor of modern X-rays, not a single sane doctor would persuade a pregnant woman to take an “extra” X-ray if there is no urgent need for it.
Tooth extraction during pregnancy
Unfortunately, this situation is not uncommon. If the process in the tooth is irreversible and the treatment will only prolong time and will not bring any benefit, the doctor decides to remove it. Important tip: if one doctor recommended that you have a tooth removed, do not rush to agree immediately, but also do not delay the decision. In the case of such recommendations, it may be worth going to another specialist, because there are so many doctors, so many opinions. One dentist can only remove it, while another will try to save and restore the tooth. However, if the situation is obvious and the tooth must be removed, definitely agree. Preserving the source of inflammation and infection is harmful to the health of the mother and the unborn child. After surgery, when the anesthesia wears off, you will most likely have a difficult time. There will be discomfort, perhaps even pain, at the operation site. It is not recommended for pregnant women to take any painkillers. In case of acute pain - only paracetamol. After removal, also depending on the initial situation, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic therapy. This is necessary to completely eliminate the infection. Knowing your situation, the doctor will select a group of antibiotics that is safe for the expectant mother. Here the conclusion suggests itself - you shouldn’t wait until such a situation that you have to remove teeth during pregnancy and once again take antibiotics. Take care of them ahead of time, visit the dentist as a preventive measure and do not forget about good hygiene.
Dental hygiene during pregnancy
Proper oral hygiene during pregnancy is no less important than visiting the dentist on time. Changing hormonal background brings with it many problems. Expectant mothers who have taken good care of their teeth throughout their lives are unlikely to be affected by such problems. Pregnancy will cause inconvenience to those who went to the dentist only because severe pain. Swollen gums, blood on your toothbrush and bad breath... If these problems are familiar to you, most likely you are faced with gingivitis in pregnant women. This disease has a hormonal basis. During pregnancy, the blood supply to the mucous membranes of the body changes. As a result, the periodontal papillae (the area of the gum located between the teeth) may slightly enlarge. And most importantly, poor oral hygiene stimulates the growth of bacteria. The result is gingivitis. At this point, special attention should be paid to oral hygiene. With proper care and hormonal changes, gingivitis will most likely go away soon after delivery. But if the situation in the mouth is advanced, hormonal changes in the body of a woman can give impetus to the emergence of more serious problems. If you notice signs of gingivitis, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor. The dentist will conduct professional cleaning teeth, prescribe anti-inflammatory therapy and recommend maintaining good hygiene. If you don’t know how to do this, do not hesitate to ask a specialist directly at the appointment. The doctor will definitely tell you about correct technique brushing teeth and about various devices and means that will help maintain dental hygiene at home at the proper level (irrigators, dental floss, etc.).
Most people put off dental treatment until the very last moment. Unfortunately, only acute, unbearable pain pushes them to go to the doctor. There are many reasons for this: a peculiarity of the Russian character, and childhood psychological trauma associated with the dentist, and the absence of a truly personal doctor. It shouldn't be this way. If you visit the dentist on time, your teeth will never hurt. And the well-known proverb about a lost tooth for every child will not work with you.
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