Oral Health During Pregnancy

FOR THE DENTAL PATIENT ...

delayed until after your baby is born, your den- Oral health during tist may need to obtain a radiograph as part of your dental treatment. To minimize your expo- pregnancy sure and that of the fetus to x-rays, your dentist will cover your abdomen with a protective apron and place a thyroid collar over your throat. What to expect when Talk with your dentist or physician about any concerns you may have about your treatment. expecting Good daily care is key to your oral health. To ou have so much to think about during help prevent caries (tooth decay) and gum disease, pregnancy, but don’t overlook your oral brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with fluo- health, which can be affected by the hor- ride toothpaste to remove plaque. Be sure to clean Ymonal changes you will experience between your teeth daily during this time. with floss or another inter- For example, women are more likely to dental cleaner. Ask your develop gingivitis during pregnancy. Gingivitis dentist or hygienist to is an infection of the gingivae (gums) that can show you how to brush and cause swelling and tenderness. Your gums also floss correctly. When may bleed a little when you brush or floss. Left choosing oral care prod- untreated, gingivitis can affect the supporting ucts, look for those that tissues that hold your teeth in place. Your den- display the American tist may recommend more frequent cleanings to Dental Association’s Seal of prevent gingivitis. Acceptance, your assurance that they have met Sometimes lumps appear along the gum line ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. and between teeth. These swellings are harm- less, but they bleed easily and are characterized DIET by a red, raw-looking mulberrylike surface. Frequent snacking may increase your risk of Although these growths are called “pregnancy developing tooth decay, which is caused by tumors,” they are not cancerous. They usually plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms con- go away on their own after pregnancy, but they stantly on teeth. The bacteria convert sugar and can be removed under a local anesthetic if they starch that remain in the mouth after eating to bother you. acid that attacks tooth enamel. The longer the sugars remain in your mouth, the longer the DENTAL CARE acids attack. After repeated attacks, tooth decay You should continue to see your dentist during can result. pregnancy for oral examinations and professional teeth cleaning. Tell your dentist that you ORAL HEALTH AND OVERALL HEALTH are pregnant and about any changes you have Your oral health is an important part of your noticed in your oral health. overall health, and untreated dental disease can Also, be sure to let your dentist know about be harmful to you and your baby. Be sure to any medications or supplements you are taking. include your oral health in your daily self-care Your dentist may need to use or prescribe med- routine and keep your dentist informed of any ication as part of your treatment. Some medica- changes in your oral health during pregnancy. ■ tions are considered safe for limited use during Prepared by the American Dental Association (ADA) Division of pregnancy and some should not be used at all. Science. Copyright © 2011 American Dental Association. Unlike For example, if you develop an infection, your other portions of JADA, the print version of this page may be clipped dentist might prescribe penicillin or amoxicillin. and photocopied as a handout for patients without reprint permis- sion from the ADA Publishing Division. Any other use, copying or However, pregnant women should not be distribution of this material, whether in printed or electronic form treated with tetracycline because it can stain and including the copying and posting of this material on a Web site, is strictly prohibited without prior written consent of the ADA Pub- the fetus’ developing teeth. Once they erupt, the lishing Division. teeth may look gray or brown permanently as a result of these stains. Your dentist or physician “For the Dental Patient” provides general information on dental treatments to dental patients. It is designed to prompt discussion can talk with you about medications that are between dentist and patient about treatment options and does not safe to use during pregnancy. substitute for the dentist’s professional assessment based on the Although radiography (x-rays) often can be individual patient’s needs and desires.

574 JADA 142(5) http://jada.ada.org May 2011