BEFORE PREGNANCY

All women are advised to get their teeth and mouth checked before getting pregnant so that their teeth can be cleaned, gums examined and any oral problems are treated beforehand. 

DURING PREGNANCY 

Pregnancy tends to affect the composition of saliva thus increasing the amount of bacteria in the mouth affecting our overall oral care. 

When do I tell my dentist I’m pregnant?

Even if you simply suspect that you’re pregnant let your dental office know. Also be mindful to let your dentist know of any medication you are on. Keep your dentist aware if your pregnancy is high risk or if you have a certain medical condition so they take appropriate action.

When can I visit my dentist and is it alright to do dental procedures? 

Once pregnant, visit your dentist at least twice. Your dentist can take care of all cleanings and cavity fillings before your baby is born and clarify any pregnancy related dental symptoms you might be experiencing such a bleeding gums and sensitive teeth. 

Scientifically dental treatment can be done anytime during the pregnancy but most doctors recommend that an appointment is made during the second trimester. 

This is because due to the socio economic background of Sri Lanka, when dental procedures are done on women who are in their first trimester, if a miscarriage occurs they tend to wrongly attribute the incident to carrying out a dental procedure. To avoid such a blame and not because it is not possible, doctors advocate avoiding any treatment during the first trimester.  

During the last trimester, sitting for long periods of time in the dental chair can become uncomfortable and pregnant women can be more prone to gagging.

Are dental X-rays alright during pregnancy?

The level of radiation caused by a dental x-ray is very minimum. One x – ray is equal to eight hours of external exposure in the environment. There is no harm to the foetus as there is distance but doctors recommend avoiding x-rays unless it is absolutely necessary. 


Is my diet important? 

A baby’s teeth develop between the third and sixth month of pregnancy so your food choices are important! It’s important to have sufficient nutrition and do keep the following in mind; 

·    Eat fruits; vegetables; whole-grain products and dairy products.
·    Eat fewer foods or drink fewer drinks high in sugar.
·    If you have trouble with nausea, try eating small amounts of healthy foods throughout the day.
·    Drink water or milk instead of juice, fruit-flavoured drinks or soft drinks.
·    Drink water throughout the day, especially between meals and snacks. Drink water that contains fluoride.
·    To reduce the risk of birth defects, get 600 micrograms of folic acid each day throughout your pregnancy. Take a dietary supplement of folic acid and eat foods high in folate and foods fortified with folic acids, including: 

o    Asparagus, broccoli and leafy green vegetables such as lettuce and spinach
o    Legumes (beans, peas, lentils)
o    Papaya, tomato juice, oranges or orange juice, strawberries, cantaloupe and bananas
o    Grain products fortified with folic acid (breads, cereals, cornmeal, flour, pasta, white rice.)

Text by Panchali Illankoon