With so many tests, oral health care is usually left unconsciously in the background during pregnancy. However, during this stage, the woman experiences a series of changes in her organism that can cause the appearance of problems in both teeth and gums. Hence the need to raise awareness about the importance of increasing the care of our oral health and thus avoid a possible transmission of pathological bacteria to the baby in your womb.
“During pregnancy it is essential to strengthen the care of our oral health, since the teeth become more sensitive and increases the risk of suffering cavities and gum problems, through which pathogenic bacteria could be transmitted to the baby being carried in the belly ”explains Gustavo Camañas.
However, although the mother's oral health can influence the health of the future baby, according to studies by the SEPA (Spanish Society of Periodontics and Osseointegration), only 40% of pregnant women say they would only go to the dentist if It was prescribed by your gynecologist. “These data are worrisome, because there is a direct relationship between periodontal diseases, premature delivery and the low birth weight of the baby. According to this relationship, the fetus could be born before the 37th week of pregnancy and weigh an average of 50 grams less weight, ”says Gustavo Camañas.
The most common oral problems during pregnancy are usually "gingivitis of pregnancy", inflammation and bleeding of the gums, "between 30 and 35% of pregnant women suffer from this type of pathology during pregnancy. In addition, pregnant women are more likely to develop cavities, since during this stage higher levels of carbohydrates are consumed and nausea or vomiting increases the level of acids in the mouth, which directly affects tooth enamel. ”
As if that were not enough, pregnancy is the "ideal" time for the onset of chronic diseases such as periodontitis, that is, when gingivitis is allowed to progress and no treatment is started.
But can you go to the dentist while pregnant?
Although these are common problems, there is a false myth that pregnant women should not go to the dentist. In this sense, and against the popular belief that pregnant women should not go to the dentist, Gustavo Camañas says that “visiting the dentist during pregnancy, far from being contraindicated, is essential to prevent future pathologies such as those indicated above. and to solve those problems that we already suffer before they can negatively affect the baby. ”
For this, the patient is recommended to have a previous conversation with his dentist and to communicate those symptoms he suffers, if he is carrying out any treatment or if he is consuming any type of medication. Knowing this, the dentist will be able to carry out the treatments that the patient needs without this entailing any danger to the mother or the fetus.
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