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Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but for many women it can also be stressful and tiring. In itself, pregnancy does not have any harmful effects on the teeth, but tiredness and sometimes nausea can lead to women becoming lax in their oral health regime and eating habits. It is an important time for a woman to take care of herself and oral health is a necessary aspect of this.
Gum Problems
Hormonal changes in pregnancy can make the gums more susceptible to irritation by plaque. They can get swollen and prone to bleeding, but provided plaque is well controlled by good oral hygiene habits, especially brushing and flossing, this should not pose a serious problem. If it continues, see your dentist to avoid more serious problems setting in. Once the baby is born, the bleeding will stop.
Dental Checks
Regular checks both during pregnancy and in the following months are important to ensure that serious problems do not arise, particularly due to gum disease. This is why NHS dental checks are free at this time. Take advantage of them and arrange to see your dentist while you are pregnant.
Dental Treatment
There is no need to avoid routine dental treatment because of pregnancy, although all unnecessary medical and dental interventions are advised against at this time. Elective surgery, such as wisdom tooth removal, would, for example, probably be left until after the birth.
X-Rays
Modern x-ray equipment means that x-rays are generally safe in pregnancy, though many dentists will probably prefer not to x-ray at this time unless essential to diagnosis. Lead aprons are no longer mandatory.
Fillings
If a filling is needed your dentist is likely to discuss the options with you. Since April 1998 the government has recommended that "where clinically reasonable" amalgam fillings should not be placed or removed during pregnancy. Instead, the treatment may be delayed until after the birth, a temporary filling may be used until amalgam can be used, or white fillings may be placed instead.
Morning Sickness
Vomiting is common in the early months of pregnancy, and the contents of the stomach can be very acidic. This acid can damage the tooth surface, so it is important to rinse the mouth thoroughly after any episode of vomiting and brush gently, but preferably not straight afterwards.
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