Taking Care of Your Teeth During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is known to be a sensitive period from a dental point of view. With nausea and dietary changes, certain conditions can develop more easily. More than ever, pregnant women have every interest in watching over their oral health. A few good reflexes are to be adopted, in addition to a preventive consultation with your dentist in Cannes.

Why is pregnancy a delicate period for the teeth?

Contrary to a received idea, pregnancy as such does not constitute a contraindication to a dental intervention and does not translate into a direct rise in oral pathologies. It is nevertheless advisable to remain vigilant during this period to avoid dental concerns that would weigh on daily life.

"Pregnancy gingivitis" is the only dental disorder really linked to pregnancy. It is a persistent gingivitis that appears in some women, from the first trimester and until childbirth. The gums will swell and bleed more regularly under the effect of hormonal impregnation at the gum tissue level.

The more marked attraction for sugary foods can also raise the risk of cavities. Left untreated, a cavity can reach the dental pulp and trigger a severe toothache. Insufficient dental hygiene can also lead to periodontitis. This pathology leads to the release of inflammatory mediators in the muscles, which can sometimes trigger contractions and premature childbirth.

How to prevent these problems?

Faced with such complications, it is therefore imperative not to take any risks and to maintain the best possible dental hygiene during pregnancy. It is recommended to brush your teeth morning and evening with a soft toothbrush with a round head for optimal cleaning between the teeth. A toothpaste with high fluoride content can be used in order to strengthen the enamel. Effective plaque removal involves the daily use of dental floss or interdental brushes.

The second essential point concerns nutrition during pregnancy. Sugary and acidic products (such as fruit juices and sodas) are to be consumed in small quantities only. The nausea and vomiting of the first months also contribute to creating an oral acidity that demineralises the enamel and favours the formation of bacteria. The right reflex in this situation is to wait at least 45 minutes before brushing. In the meantime, you can drink a glass of water with a diluted spoonful of baking soda to neutralise the acids.

Can you go to the dentist during pregnancy?

For pregnant women, consulting a dentist is advised. The French Health Insurance has encouraged since 2014 the making of an appointment with a dentist from four and a half months of pregnancy, in a preventive approach. This consultation has the advantage of being covered by Health Insurance. The objective is to ensure that no dental problem is to be reported, but also to receive advice adapted to the oral health of the future infant.

During pregnancy, it is perfectly possible to carry out dental care with local anaesthesia without adrenaline. X-rays of the teeth can also be carried out safely, by covering the pregnant woman with a lead apron. On the other hand, with nausea, this type of intervention can prove trying. It is therefore preferable to carry out important care before pregnancy or during the second trimester to benefit from more favourable conditions.