The physiology of female patients changes significantly during pregnancy. There are misconceptions about pregnancy and what is and is not safe. Pregnant women often feel that they should avoid visiting the dentist and should never have dental imaging done. Despite these misconceptions, receiving oral health care during pregnancy is safe, including getting dental radiographs taken and receiving local anesthetic.

Studies have indicated that the majority of expectant mothers are unaware of the significance of oral health concerns and routine dental care. Nonetheless, obstetricians and gynecologists should strongly advise elective oral care during pregnancy. It is possible to treat pregnant patients at any time who need immediate dental care, such as extractions, periodontal/endodontic therapy, or restoration of untreated caries.

Oral Health Conditions During Pregnancy:

Gingivitis, gingival hyperplasia, pyogenic granuloma, and salivary abnormalities are examples of oral changes. Pregnancy gingivitis may result from elevated levels of progesterone and estrogen in the first trimester. The symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis include gingival bleeding, redness, and tooth mobility. Pregnancy tumors, also known as pyogenic granulomas, can develop from pregnancy gingivitis if it persists. Dietary changes may contribute to dental caries. Maintaining good dental hygiene can either prevent hormone-mediated changes from occurring or lessen their severity. It is recommended to brush twice a day for two minutes each time, using toothpaste that contains fluoride, and cleaning in between teeth once a day.

Medication in pregnancy:

Certain drugs are known to cause miscarriage, teratogenicity and low birth weight of fetus. These drugs include ethyl alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, anticonvulsant, retinoids etc If antibiotics need to be administered during pregnancy some of safe choices include clindamycin, azithromycin & penicillin. Nitrous oxide is a pregnancy risk medication and should be avoided during pregnancy..

X Ray during pregnancy !?

In second trimester as organogenesis is completed the risk to fetus is low. It is safer to perform certain elective and urgent dentoalveolar procedures in the second trimester. As long as abdominal and thyroid shielding are used, radiographs are deemed safe for pregnant patients at any point in their pregnancy.

Oral hygiene Recommendations:

1st trimester:
* Tell the patient about the changes in the mother's mouth during pregnancy.
* Provide strict instructions for maintaining good oral hygiene and controlling plaque.
* Avoid routine radiography, use it only when necessary.
2nd trimester:
* Instructions on maintaining good oral hygiene and controlling plaque.
* Scaling, polishing, and curetage may be required.
*Keep clear of routine radiography; only use it when necessary.
3rd trimester:
* Instructions on maintaining good oral hygiene and controlling plaque.
* Scaling, polishing, and curetage may be required.
*Keep clear of routine radiography; only use it when necessary.

Frequently asked questions:
1) Is it safe to visit dentist while pregnant?
A) Yes it is safe to visit dentist while you are pregnant, many gynecologists do recommend pregnant women to visit dentist if necessary.
2) what dental procedures are safe during pregnancy?
A) Dental treatment like fillings, root canal treatment can be done and in some emergency cases with critical care extractions can also be done.
3) Are all medicines safe during pregnancy?
A) No, medication is to be taken care for pregnant women some drugs should be avoided during pregnancy.
4) Is x ray safe during pregnancy?
A) Yes, x ray is safe during pregnancy but prior information regarding trimester should be given and it is safe to take x ray if it necessary.
5) What dental changes are visible to a pregnant woman?
A) Bleeding of gums, swelling of gums, redness of gums are some of the changes we usually see in pregnant women.