When you get the news that a new member is going to arrive in your family in  another few months,that feeling is just heavenly!!!!! The feeling that a new life is growing within you cannot be explained. You get busy in planning about your baby and your family try their best to take care of your health,your food ,rest etc.

But in all these things oral health is not paid much attention.  In fact very few people are aware that pregnancy has its own set of effects on teeth and gums.

WHAT CHANGES  OCCUR IN YOUR BODY DURING PREGNANCY

• During pregnancy there are always hormonal changes taking place. There is increase in levels of estrogen and progesterone.

If the mother already had gingivitis before pregnancy then it becomes severe during pregnancy.

• Pregnant females can also develop conditions like pregnancy tumour,pyogenic  granuloma. They occur commonly during the 2^nd -3^rd  month of pregnancy.They are nodular masses  that tend to bleed easily. It is usually associated with poor oral hygiene and tartar formation.

• It is also observed that during pregnancy ovarian hormones produce prostaglandins which brings about inflammatory response. Prostaglandin is an immunosuppressant(it suppresses immune system) hence gingival inflammation increases
• Morning sickness involves repeated vomiting of gastric contents. This leads to erosion of teeth.
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)is a common complaint during pregnancy. Mouth becomes dry when the flow of saliva  decreases. Saliva plays a major role in neutralizing the acids that cause decay. When saliva flow becomes less chances of decay increases.

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN

Oral hygiene-

• Oral hygiene has to be thoroughly maintained. This includes –
• Brushing twice daily using the right technique .
• Flossing in between teeth.
• Rinsing your mouth after eating anything.
• Regular dental check up.
• Scaling, polishing whenever necessary.
• Consult your dentist before using mouthwash (alcohol based mouth wash should be preferably avoided).

Dental treatment-

• Dental treatment should be strictly avoided during the 1^st trimester(1^st three months of pregnancy) and in the 3^rd trimester(last 3 months of pregnancy)
• Any emergency treatment if required cn be done in the second trimester. However  remember that prolonged treatment on the dental chair should be avoided.
• Any oral or gum surgery should be postpones until after delivery.
• It would be advisable that if you are planning a pregnancy visit your dentist for a regular dental check up. If any treatment like cavity filling,rct , extraction ,surgical procedure is required it should be done immediately.

X –rays-

• It is best to avoid radiations (x- rays) during pregnancy.
• If an emergency dental treatment is required x –rays should be taken only if very necessary.
• While taking x-rays the mother should wear a protective lead apron.

Medication-

• Not all groups of medicines are advisable during pregnancy. Consult your dentist/physician before taking any medication.
• Not only during pregnancy but also during breast feeding only prescribed medicine should be taken. There is a risk that these medicines can enter the breast milk. When the infant drinks this milk it can have adverse effects on the child’s health .
• It is preferable to take prescribed medicines immediately after breast feeding and then avoid breast feeding for  4 hours or more. This will remarkably reduce the drug concentration in breast milk.