Teeth are one of the strongest parts in the human body. Teeth have a function in helping the process of speaking and chewing. Maintaining healthy teeth and mouth for pregnant women is a very important thing to do. This should not be ignored because the health of the mother's teeth and mouth can have a negative impact on the health of the future baby if it is not taken seriously.
What is the relationship between cavities and the condition of one's pregnancy?
The condition of cavities basically always begins with the presence of dental plaque. Then the plaque on the teeth changes because the conditions in the mouth turn acidic, causing damage to the tooth enamel. In some cases, pregnancy conditions usually have hormone levels that can cause bleeding if there are dental problems. However, in principle, both under normal conditions and during pregnancy, cavities can occur and must be handled properly.
Even in a pandemic like today, visiting the dentist is not an obstacle if there is excess dental plaque. Because if excess dental plaque is not treated quickly it will cause infection in the teeth and gum area. If you want to visit the dentist when you are pregnant, you should pay attention to the condition of the mother's readiness because this will affect the condition of the fetus in the mother's body.
Will nutrition during pregnancy affect baby teeth at birth?
Maternal nutrition during pregnancy will certainly affect the condition of the baby's teeth at birth. Because the seeds of teeth when babies and even adults have been formed since the baby was in the womb. So that pregnant women must pay attention to the adequacy of nutrition during pregnancy for the good of the baby.
One of the nutrients that must be fulfilled by pregnant women is calcium. We recommend that calcium levels in the body of pregnant women are maintained to match the adequacy value. Because calcium can help the baby's growth process in the stomach. To find out the good value of calcium adequacy in pregnant women, it is best to consult a doctor so that calcium levels are not lacking or excessive.
How to treat toothache in pregnant women safely?
Toothache is a disease condition for which there is no cure unless action is taken. So, if a pregnant woman has a toothache, she should immediately take her to the dentist for a proper consultation. Administration of drugs to pregnant women also cannot be arbitrary. Because pregnant women should not take drugs that can interfere with the growth of the fetus in the mother's body.
If pregnant women experience cavities, the main target of treatment is to eliminate the infection. This can be done by pulling teeth or doing root canal treatment. In pregnant women, carrying out root canal treatment has a smaller risk compared to carrying out tooth extraction.
Is tooth extraction allowed during pregnancy?
According to the literature, there is no specific prohibition that mentions the prohibition of tooth extraction during pregnancy. What should not be done is to let the mother be infected continuously. If a pregnant woman has a toothache, the doctor will first determine the indications, whether it is necessary to do extraction or enough treatment. If the condition of the tooth is too severe, an extraction will be carried out on condition that the patient allows the extraction to be carried out.
Is it permissible to use mouthwash during pregnancy?
Mouthwash is useful for reducing the number of bacteria in the mouth. However, excessive use of mouthwash can actually kill good bacteria in the mouth so that it will actually cause fungus. Apart from having to pay attention to the dose used, the use of mouthwash also needs to be balanced with the right tooth brushing mechanism. Because if you use mouthwash without brushing your teeth the right way it will actually cause changes in your teeth.
Incorrect tooth brushing technique can cause more serious problems such as bleeding gums. If you have bleeding gums, try changing your teeth brushing technique in the right way. If the condition of the bleeding gums persists, it's a good idea to go straight to the dentist.
Maintaining dental health is very important for pregnant women to do. If pregnant women experience mild dental problems, treatment can be done alone at home. However, if dental problems in pregnant women are serious enough, you should consult a dentist directly so that they can be handled properly. Carrying out dental examinations at least twice a year is also highly recommended so that dental and oral health can be maintained.
Article reviewed by drg. M. Furqan, Sp.KG (Dentist – Conservation, Root Treatment, Tangerang EMC Hospital).