Oral health in pregnant women and babies

DOES PREGNANCY WEAKEN TEETH, THUS INCREASING THE RISK OF CAVITIES?

No. During pregnancy, oral health conditions may worsen, but pregnancy alone does not increase the incidence of dental cavities.

 

DO TEETH WEAKEN DURING PREGNANCY DUE TO CALCIUM LOSS TO THE BABY?

No. Calcium is present in the mother's teeth in a stable, crystalline form and is not available for systemic circulation.
Pregnancy does not lead to an increased incidence of dental cavities.

 

DO GUMS BLEED MORE DURING PREGNANCY?

Yes. Due to hormonal changes, gums may hurt and bleed easily; the situation worsens if adequate oral hygiene is not maintained.

 

IN CASE OF TOOTHACHE, WHAT MEDICATION CAN BE TAKEN?

Never self-medicate. Pregnant women should consult a dentist to be prescribed medication or have appropriate dental treatments to resolve the painful situation.

 

CAN A PREGNANT WOMAN UNDERGO ANY TYPE OF DENTAL TREATMENT?

Yes. Even if anesthesia is required. An oral infection is more harmful to the baby than dental treatment. The ideal would be to have a dental consultation before pregnancy to avoid oral infections during this period. Appointments should be short, preferably in the morning, with the second trimester of pregnancy being the most suitable time.

 

HOW CAN THE ORAL HYGIENE OF A PREGNANT WOMAN INFLUENCE THE BABY'S HEALTH?

Oral hygiene is the most effective preventive measure to avoid oral cavity infections. The mother can infect the baby through microorganisms from infectious diseases such as dental cavities and periodontal diseases.

 

WHEN SHOULD INFANT ORAL HEALTH CARE BEGIN?

They should begin with prenatal advice to prospective parents on the importance of maintaining good oral health. Infant oral health care should be seen as the foundation for preventive education that provides normal conditions for optimal growth, development, and functioning. Even before tooth eruption, the baby's gums should be cleaned with a water-moistened gauze at least once a day, preferably at night, and correct eating habits should be established.

 

WHAT IS THE IDEAL AGE FOR A BABY'S 1ST DENTIST APPOINTMENT?

The European and American Academies of Pediatric Dentistry recommend the first visit to the dentist by one year of age.

 

SHOULD "BABY TEETH" BE TREATED?

Yes. Baby teeth can be affected by cavities just like permanent teeth and should therefore be treated.

 

HOW TO ACT IN CASE OF TRAUMA TO "BABY TEETH"?

After trauma, it is advisable to go to the dentist immediately, as early treatment minimizes the risk of subsequent complications. In the case of baby teeth, they can directly affect the formation of permanent teeth (altering color, direction of eruption, etc.)

 

WHEN DO THE FIRST TEETH ERUPT?

Typically, the first "baby teeth" erupt between 6-8 months of age, and by 2.5-3 years of age, 20 baby teeth should have appeared in the child's mouth.