Health Leader, Dental Care During Pregnancy

Dental Care During Pregnancy

Will pregnancy affect my oral health?

Pregnant women experience elevated levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone
These hormones can cause the gums to react differently to the bacteria found in plaque
In many cases, this can cause a condition known as "pregnancy gingivitis"
Symptoms include swollen, red and bleeding gums
The bacteria in plaque (not hormones) are what cause gingivitis
Brush twice a day and floss before you go to bed to help avoid plaque buildup
Women who treat their periodontal health prior to pregnancy decrease their chances of developing pregnancy gingivitis

What are "pregnancy tumors?"

Pregnancy tumors are rare, usually painless lesions that may develop on your gums in response to plaque
Although they are not cancerous, they should be treated
Pregnancy tumors usually subside shortly after childbirth

Could gingivitis affect my baby's health?

New research suggests a link between pre-term, low birth weight babies and gingivitis
Excessive bacteria, which cause gingivitis, can enter the bloodstream through your mouth
The bacteria can travel to the uterus
This can trigger the production of prostaglandins, which are suspected of inducing premature labor
Women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and is too small

Should I receive dental treatment while I'm pregnant?

Continue with your regular dental cleaning and check-ups to avoid oral infections that can affect the fetus, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease
Dentists recommend that major dental treatments that aren't urgent be postponed until after your child is born
The first trimester, the stage of pregnancy in which most of the baby's organs are formed, is the most crucial to your baby's development
It is best to have procedures performed during the second trimester to minimize any potential risk
Dental treatment is not recommended during the third trimester because the dental chair tends to be too uncomfortable for the mother

If I do need treatment, what drugs are safe?

Be extremely cautious of all drugs during pregnancy
If you have gingivitis or periodontal disease, your dentist may want to treat you more often to achieve healthy gums and a healthy baby
Although dental anesthetics such as novocaine or lidocaine can enter the placenta, which filters out most drugs, the doses used in most dental procedures are considered safe
If you need to have dental treatment done during your pregnancy, some acceptable antibiotics include penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin
It is important to avoid tetracycline, which can cause discoloration of your child's temporary and permanent teeth
Pain products containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, are approved, but you should be wary of other over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen
Avoid using narcotics for dental pain until your child is carried to term

Who can I talk to?

Be sure to ask your dentist or physician before receiving treatment
Most dental procedures are safe during pregnancy
Remember, the healthier your mouth is, the healthier and happier your pregnancy and baby will be

Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry

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Packing Bag Lunches Safely

If you pack lunches for your child to take to school, be careful that you do not accidentally expose them to foodborne illness.

Bagged lunches, especially those containing perishable foods, need to be packed and handled properly in order to keep the food safe. In general, perishable foods should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. If left out too long, the temperature of the food can enter the danger zone where bacteria grow most rapidly, which is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Below are some tips to help families pack bagged lunches safely:

Pack foods that are nonperishable and won't require refrigeration.
If you do pack perishable foods such as luncheon meats or prepackaged cheese and crackers, include a frozen gel pack or a frozen juice carton with the food in an insulated lunch bag or box.
Pack only the amount of perishable food that your child can eat at lunch.
Preparing lunches the night before and storing them in the refrigerator until you pack your child's lunchbox in the morning can help keep food cold longer the next day.
Don't reuse packaging materials such as paper or plastic bags, aluminum foil, etc. as they can contaminate other foods and cause foodborne illness. Have your child discard all used food packaging and paper bags after lunch.

Before eating lunch or snacks at school, make sure your child washes his or her hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If your child's school does not have a handwashing program in place, encourage them to adopt a such a program, as handwashing is one of the best ways kids and parents can protect health and stop the spread of germs.