The female body is a complex mechanism with a whole range of unique biological processes. Cyclic changes in hormonal levels affect pain sensitivity, mood and perception of the world around us. That is why representatives of the fair sex visit only on those days when its level drops to a minimum.

Pregnancy further complicates the functioning of the female body from a biological point of view. During this period, a radical restructuring of all processes occurs. All a woman’s vital resources become building materials for the future baby.

The first trimester of pregnancy is characterized by the formation of fetal bone tissue, so exactly as much calcium will be removed from the body of the expectant mother as is required for the formation of the embryo.

It is not surprising that it is at this stage that many and.

Knowing about all the peculiarities of visiting the dental chair even before pregnancy, some women try to avoid dental treatment.

The first trimester is especially dangerous for the fetus. At this time, the fundamental development of the future organism takes place, so it is extremely sensitive to the effects of toxins.

Any dental interventions using medications can cause irreparable harm to the unborn child. In addition, in the first trimester it can contribute to changes in the fetus at the cellular level, which is extremely dangerous.

It follows that the first three months of the embryo are not the best for visiting the dentist. If the doctor does not see a serious threat to the health of the expectant mother, then it is better to postpone treatment of the diseased tooth until a later time. This, of course, does not apply to critical cases when the pain cannot be tolerated.

During this period, the construction of the placenta will come to an end, and the mother will not have to worry about her baby’s defenselessness against the attack of anesthetics.

The most acceptable period for implantation will begin only after the 12th week and last until the 29th.

Optimal time to visit the dentist

The first trimester of pregnancy is considered the most dangerous for dental therapy. If treatment of the disease can be postponed to the second trimester, then be sure to do so. During this period, the fetus will already be formed and acquire a protective placenta. Serious dental diseases that require surgery or special medications are best postponed to the postpartum period.

Video on the topic

Is it possible to treat teeth during pregnancy? In what trimester is it better to do this? Answers in the video:

If the dentist strongly suggests treating your teeth, then you should not ignore his recommendations. Perhaps you contacted us precisely at the moment when the critical situation can still be corrected.

toothache during pregnancy, dental anesthesia during pregnancy, tooth extraction during pregnancy, dental x-ray during pregnancy, anesthesia during pregnancy, caries during pregnancy

It is perhaps difficult to find a person who has not learned from personal experience what toothache is. And those who have encountered it know: sometimes it’s difficult to wait until the morning to quickly get into the dentist’s chair. What can we say about abandoning the thought of treatment for several months - toothache during pregnancy does not wait or endure, but forces you to take the most urgent measures.

To begin with, let us note that the ideal option is when toothache never bothers you. This is quite realistic and easy to implement. All you need to do is see a good doctor, cure everything that might ever bother you, and then go to an appointment for professional hygiene twice a year as a preventive measure. With this development of events, even the smallest caries will not escape the eyes of an attentive doctor. Of course, it is best to treat teeth before pregnancy, without waiting for piercing unbearable pain.

And even if you were pregnant, you should still go to the dentist as planned, but not in the early stages, but in the second trimester. This is the time that is considered ideal for full dental treatment during pregnancy.

What to do if you have a toothache during pregnancy?

If you have a toothache during pregnancy, it would be good to know the contact information of a trusted doctor. This is very important. If you don’t have such a person in mind yet, make sure in advance that in case of acute toothache during pregnancy you have someone to call. A pregnant woman is an object of increased attention for a doctor, and to be honest, she is not an ordinary patient at all. Your main task as a patient is to not lose your head at the moment of severe toothache and try to find, through friends and acquaintances, a trusted doctor whom you can turn to, and not run headlong to the nearest dental office. This is really very important.

Toothache during pregnancy: what can hurt?

Modern medicines and drugs are quite neutral, thanks to which full dental treatment can be carried out during pregnancy. Let us repeat again: the ideal time for a planned visit is the second trimester, only because it is the most stable and predictable. But this rule does not apply to acute toothache during pregnancy and treatment can be carried out when needed. An unshakable medical rule works here: treatment is justified in the case when its benefits are greater than the expected harm. So, during pregnancy you have a toothache. The first thought is probably caries. Let us immediately note that small, barely noticeable, new caries does not cause painful sensations. What you are sick with has probably been with you for a long time. Perhaps this pulpitis or periodontitis. In any case, this is a kind of permanent inflammation and a source of infection in the body of a pregnant woman. What is better: the supposed harm from treatment or a source of rotting and constant proliferation of bacteria in the mouth? For any doctor the answer is obvious. Therefore, the question of whether or not to treat teeth during pregnancy is not worth it for him. Definitely - treat!

Any inflammatory process in the body, including in the oral cavity, provokes an increase in the level of leukocytes in the blood. Surely, this will be confirmed by a general blood test, which all expectant mothers regularly have to take. Here we are talking not only about acute inflammations that hurt, bother and do not allow us to forget about ourselves, here we are also talking about chronic processes that can only be diagnosed. Without it, the doctor can only make a preliminary diagnosis. All of the above also sounds in favor of visiting a dentist before pregnancy. But if this fails, be sure to visit a specialist during pregnancy to get ahead of the pain and plan possible treatment before childbirth. However, if necessary, most dental procedures can be performed throughout the entire nine months.

Dental anesthesia during pregnancy

Let's start with dental anesthesia during pregnancy. It is often impossible to do without it. Good anesthesia is the basis of any treatment. If the patient is in pain, the doctor is unlikely to be able to carry out all the manipulations efficiently. For successful treatment, the doctor needs a calm, relaxed patient with his mouth wide open. And this is only possible in the absence of pain. Only extremely rare cases of allergies can force a doctor to refuse an injection with an anesthetic. Next, we will answer the main question: is it possible to use anesthesia during pregnancy? So, dentists have modern painkillers in their arsenal that are not contraindicated for pregnant women. These drugs are non-toxic and are quickly eliminated from the body. And most importantly, they do not pass the hemoplacental barrier, and therefore are safe for the child. Before your appointment, be sure to tell your dentist about the specifics of your situation, possible allergies or reactions to anesthesia. If the doctor is dealing with ordinary caries during pregnancy, the treatment will be simple and quick. All manipulations (tooth preparation, drying, installation and “exposing” fillings) and preparations are used and performed at the local level and do not threaten the health of the mother and fetus.

Toothache during pregnancy: pulpitis or periodontitis?

It’s a completely different matter when most of the tooth tissue is affected by caries, the pain is unbearable, and at the appointment the doctor states: “You have pulpitis.” Surely, many of you have experienced this acute, throbbing toothache. Not only does it occur unexpectedly, it can rarely be suppressed with painkillers. The tooth hurts day and night, and nothing helps... If such severe toothache during pregnancy deprives you of sleep, the question of caries is no longer an issue; most likely, you are faced with another problem. These symptoms are united by the disease “pulpitis” - inflammation of the neurovascular bundle in the tooth. Pulpitis can also be characterized by pain when biting on a tooth. It is aching, dull or tugging, making it simply impossible to eat. What is important is that pulpitis always begins with minor caries. Most often, the diseased tooth has already been treated, and it seems to you that there is nothing to hurt there anymore.

In the case of pulpitis, when the neurovascular bundle in the tooth becomes inflamed, and periodontitis, when inflammation spreads from the root canal to the bone surrounding the tooth, root canal treatment is the main measure in eliminating this disease. The doctor locates all the root canals in the tooth, widens them, disinfects them, and hermetically seals the root tips. Modern methods of treating pulpitis and periodontitis are carried out in one or two visits to the doctor. Root canal treatment is required to be performed under anesthesia. Let us note that high-quality root canal treatment is simply impossible without X-ray examination. As a rule, the doctor takes at least three photographs during treatment - before, during the procedure and after it. This is necessary to make sure that all the canals are found, “passed” along the entire length and that there is no source of bacterial growth left inside the tooth. At the end of the procedure, the doctor will put a calcium-containing preparation into the pregnant woman’s tooth cavity, place a temporary filling, and invite her for an appointment after childbirth. It is important to understand here: if the treatment of pulpitis or periodontitis has stopped at an intermediate stage, do not delay visiting the doctor after the birth of the child. The temporary filling is not reliable. It should be replaced with a permanent one as soon as possible.

Dental X-ray during pregnancy

It is known and proven that X-ray radiation in large quantities has a negative effect on the human body. However, this does not apply to modern dentistry. Microdoses of X-ray radiation are used to take photographs in the dental office. They are so minuscule that in Western dental clinics, doctors and assistants have long stopped using lead “aprons” for protection from radiation. In modern clinics, in order to take an image, you do not need to go to another room: as a rule, x-rays are taken using a visiograph - a small device that hangs on the wall right in the doctor’s office. Studies have been repeatedly conducted that have proven that an X-ray of one tooth in terms of radiation volume corresponds to two hours spent in front of a TV or computer screen. Now consider how much time you spend in front of a screen and how much importance you attach to x-rays in dentistry. However, with all these facts in favor of modern X-rays, not a single sane doctor would persuade a pregnant woman to take an “extra” X-ray if there is no urgent need for it.

Tooth extraction during pregnancy

Unfortunately, this situation is not uncommon. If the process in the tooth is irreversible and the treatment will only prolong time and will not bring any benefit, the doctor decides to remove it. Important advice: if one doctor recommends that you have a tooth removed, do not rush to agree immediately, but do not delay the decision. In the case of such recommendations, it may be worth going to another specialist, because there are so many doctors, so many opinions. One dentist can only remove it, while another will try to save and restore the tooth. However, if the situation is obvious and the tooth must be removed, definitely agree. Preserving the source of inflammation and infection is harmful to the health of the mother and the unborn child. After surgery, when the anesthesia wears off, you will most likely have a difficult time. There will be discomfort, perhaps even pain, at the operation site. It is not recommended for pregnant women to take any painkillers. In case of acute pain - only paracetamol. After removal, also depending on the initial situation, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic therapy. This is necessary to completely eliminate the infection. Knowing your situation, the doctor will select a group of antibiotics that is safe for the expectant mother. Here the conclusion suggests itself - you shouldn’t wait to such a situation that you have to have teeth removed during pregnancy and take antibiotics again. Take care of them ahead of time, visit the dentist as a preventive measure and do not forget about good hygiene.

Dental hygiene during pregnancy

Proper oral hygiene during pregnancy is no less important than visiting the dentist on time. Changing hormonal levels bring with them many problems. Expectant mothers who have taken good care of their teeth throughout their lives are unlikely to be affected by such problems. Pregnancy will be an inconvenience for those who have gone to the dentist only because of severe pain. Swollen gums, blood on your toothbrush and bad breath... If these problems are familiar to you, most likely you are faced with gingivitis in pregnant women. This disease has a hormonal basis. During pregnancy, the blood supply to the mucous membranes of the body changes. As a result, the periodontal papillae (the area of ​​the gum located between the teeth) may slightly enlarge. And most importantly, poor oral hygiene stimulates the growth of bacteria. The result is gingivitis. At this point, special attention should be paid to oral hygiene. With proper care and hormonal changes, gingivitis will most likely go away soon after delivery. But if the situation in the mouth is advanced, hormonal changes in a woman’s body can give rise to more serious problems. If you notice signs of gingivitis, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor. The dentist will perform professional teeth cleaning, prescribe anti-inflammatory therapy and recommend maintaining good hygiene. If you don’t know how to do this, do not hesitate to ask a specialist directly at the appointment. The doctor will definitely tell you about the correct technique for brushing your teeth and about various devices and products that will help maintain dental hygiene at home at the proper level (irrigators, dental floss, etc.).

Most people put off dental treatment until the very last moment. Unfortunately, only acute, unbearable pain pushes them to go to the doctor. There are many reasons for this: a peculiarity of the Russian character, and childhood psychological trauma associated with the dentist, and the absence of a truly personal doctor. It shouldn't be this way. If you visit the dentist on time, your teeth will never hurt. And the well-known proverb about a lost tooth for every child will not work with you.

Modern dental anesthesia during pregnancy causes a lot of controversy. Expectant mothers are often afraid to have their teeth treated so as not to harm the baby. But you shouldn't rush to this extreme.

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Dentists and gynecologists are confident that a visit to the dentist is necessary for a woman’s health and the full development of her child, because teeth are often destroyed during pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes in the body. At the same time, this is a natural process that is aimed at the development of the child.

During pregnancy, it is very important to treat teeth in a timely manner with safe anesthesia. Even healthy teeth can begin to decay due to hormones. An infection forms in the oral cavity, which only contributes to the destruction process. Let's take a closer look at what anesthesia is allowed and prohibited during pregnancy.

When is pain relief needed?

Before deciding whether it is possible to treat teeth using anesthesia while pregnant, think about whether you need it? After all, simple, uncomplicated caries can be cured without it. The doctor will carefully clean the canals and will not affect the nerve, so it will not hurt, and dental anesthesia, which is so undesirable during pregnancy, will not be needed.

Visit to the dentist

It’s another matter if you need to cure complicated caries, when you have to remove a nerve. Or, during pregnancy, the entire tooth has to be removed, so local anesthesia is indispensable. In this case, you must tell your doctor about your situation.

It all depends on your individual sensitivity. If you understand that you can endure it, it is better not to use painkillers. However, during pregnancy, the baby senses the mother’s mood, so if you experience a lot of pain during dental treatment, you need to inject anesthesia. Think not only about your well-being, but also about your child. Find out about the best and.

The effect of painkillers on the body

Many women believe that any anesthesia is very harmful to the fetus. This is why they put off visiting the dentist. If you are pregnant, be sure to check with your doctor to see if you can have anesthesia. It is usually allowed in the following cases:

• no individual intolerance;
• the painkiller is selected correctly;
• treatment is carried out in 2-3 trimesters.

You need to understand how dental anesthesia works during pregnancy. Doctors usually use adrenaline-based drugs. It can constrict blood vessels and have an analgesic effect. These drugs are prohibited during pregnancy because they can cause an increase in uterine tone and blood pressure. Therefore, expectant mothers should be treated only with modern medications with a minimum amount of adrenaline.

When you have dental treatment during pregnancy, anesthesia is administered through an injection, so it takes effect within a few minutes. The woman does not feel any pain or manipulation by the doctor, so she can do any procedure, even remove a diseased tooth. Neither mother nor baby will feel anything. During pregnancy, dentists should not undergo anesthesia in the following cases.

1. First trimester.
2. Last month.
3. Allergy to the components of the pain reliever.
4. The type of painkiller used is dangerous for the woman and baby.

There are several types of pain relief that are prohibited during pregnancy. The consequences may be irreversible.

When and how to treat teeth

Numerous studies have been conducted that have identified drugs with minimal adrenaline content. The use of these products is safe for women, because harmful components are not able to penetrate the placenta. This means that they will not enter the fetal body. The most common anesthetics are Primacaine and Ultracaine. Some doctors believe that they can be used even in early pregnancy.

Ultracaine not only cannot cross the placenta, but also does not pass into breast milk. Therefore, it can be used even during the lactation period. The doctor individually calculates the required dose, taking into account the duration, health and age of the woman. Primacaine penetrates the placenta in a minimal percentage. Moreover, it is characterized by a very short half-life. That is why conduction anesthesia with this drug is allowed during pregnancy.

The first trimester is very responsible, because during the first three months, systems and organs are formed in the fetus. You should not treat teeth until the fertilized egg has implanted, because the embryo has increased sensitivity to external irritants. A woman often experiences stress and anxiety when visiting the dentist, which usually affects the well-being of the baby and can lead to miscarriage.

There is no point in even asking the dentist whether the anesthesia performed will affect pregnancy. The answer is obvious, because treatment during organ laying is not recommended, because any intervention can disrupt the process. Postpone the procedure until the fourth month if you do not have pulpitis or periodontitis. These diseases are very harmful to the fetus and require treatment.

The most suitable time to visit the clinic is the 2nd trimester. By this time, the fetus has already formed systems and organs, so there is little chance of harming it. However, if you are 4-6 months pregnant, you should ask your doctor if you can have local anesthesia.

Carry out all the necessary preventive procedures and take care of teeth that need emergency treatment. However, even during the 2nd trimester it is prohibited to carry out bleaching, implantation and prosthetics. If you have the opportunity to go to the dentist after giving birth, it is better to postpone the visit.

By the end of the third trimester there is no need to engage in treatment. At this time, the expectant mother usually gets tired quickly and constantly worries about the upcoming birth. Her uterus becomes very sensitive to external influences. Any medical intervention can cause premature birth. That is why a visit to the dentist should only be done if absolutely necessary.

: Borovikova Olga

gynecologist, ultrasound doctor, geneticist

Pregnancy is an important event and a wonderful period in the life of any woman. However, during this period, the risk of developing various dental diseases increases significantly. This is due to a general restructuring of the body, including hormonal levels and metabolism, and a decrease in the body’s protective fluids. How to keep teeth healthy during pregnancy? And what to do if a pregnant woman develops dental diseases?

Why treat teeth during pregnancy?
Having learned about her pregnancy, the first doctor a woman should visit is a dentist, even if she has never had problems with her teeth. Pregnancy is accompanied by a restructuring of the hormonal background of a woman’s body, as a result of which the immune system is weakened, and as a result, favorable conditions are created for the development of many microorganisms, including the oral cavity. Therefore, even caries during pregnancy develops much faster than in the normal state. The process of forming and carrying a pregnancy takes a lot of energy from a woman. For the bone structure of a child, a woman’s body needs a significant amount of calcium, fluorine, phosphorus and other minerals, the deficiency of which is replenished from the mother’s bones and teeth. This kind of process negatively affects the bone tissue and teeth of the expectant young mother, as a result of which caries develops very quickly.

If caries is not treated, it can lead to the development of more complex dental diseases - pulpitis (inflammation of the nerve of the tooth) and periodontitis, which should also not be ignored during pregnancy, since in the future the young mother will acquire many problems not only with her health, but also with baby's health. For example, infections penetrate through the mother's inflamed teeth and gums into the body of the unborn child, weakening his body, as a result of which he may develop a tendency to allergies, and most importantly, caries may appear on the first teeth that appear.

If previously it was contraindicated to treat teeth during pregnancy, since the technologies used were dangerous for the health of the unborn baby, today, according to most experts, it is simply necessary to treat bad teeth during pregnancy. In addition, modern dental clinics have in their arsenal special medications for pregnant women, safe digital X-ray equipment (minimal dose of radiation, the effect is local and highly targeted), highly qualified specialists competently select anesthesia for pregnant women, which would simultaneously effectively relieve pain and not cause harm to the future child. In addition, special dental clinics for pregnant women have already appeared in our country, which have been effectively operating in the West for a long time.

During pregnancy, you can remove teeth, treat caries, periodontal disease, gingivitis, bleeding gums, inflammatory processes in the teeth, and it is also possible to install braces. But you should wait with implantation and removal of tartar; these procedures are not recommended for use during pregnancy.

If you do not have any problems with your teeth during pregnancy, it is still recommended to visit the dentist’s office once every three months (three in total during pregnancy), where the doctor will tell you about all the nuances of oral care during pregnancy and recommend a brush and toothpaste .

Another reason for mandatory visit to the dentist during pregnancy and after it is periodontal disease and its initial stage - gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), the symptoms of which increase towards the end of pregnancy. Particularly careful adherence to hygienic rules in oral care can significantly alleviate the condition and prevent possible complications. However, it is impossible to completely get rid of this disease on your own. And untreated gingivitis leads to tooth loss even more often than untreated caries. If a woman develops gingivitis during pregnancy, the chance that the condition of the oral cavity will return to normal after the birth of the child is much higher than if the woman suffered from this disease before pregnancy. Therefore, it is recommended to visit the dentist at least once a year even before pregnancy. When treating gingivitis, as a rule, professional teeth cleaning and anti-inflammatory therapy are carried out.

In addition to dental treatment, it is also necessary to remove plaque and tartar.

During what period of pregnancy is it best to treat teeth?
In the first trimester of pregnancy, the formation of all organs and systems of the unborn child occurs, in the second trimester - the development of these organs and systems, in the third trimester - the preparation or independent functioning of these systems and organs. Each trimester has its own characteristics: the first and third trimesters account for the largest number of “critical” periods, so any medical interventions are not advisable during these months. The exception in this case is those medical procedures and manipulations that are necessary to preserve the life and health of the unborn child and his mother. That leaves the second trimester, which is considered relatively safe. Therefore, the period from the fourth to the sixth month of pregnancy (this is 14-20 weeks) is recommended to be used for dental procedures. When visiting a dentist, it is imperative to notify the doctor about your situation, stage of pregnancy, and indicate the medications you are taking. Depending on these factors, treatment tactics will be developed.

Treatment of caries during pregnancy.
Since anesthesia during dental treatment in pregnant women is strictly contraindicated, as a rule, treatment of caries in a pregnant woman is carried out without anesthesia. Using a drill, the dentist removes damaged tooth tissue and places a filling, which can be chosen according to your taste (chemical or light-curing). Neither one nor the other filling poses any danger, either for the mother or for the child. If anesthesia is still needed, do not worry about this, since today there are special anesthetics (Ubistezin, Ultracain) that have only a local effect and do not penetrate the placental barrier. This means that they are absolutely safe for the unborn child. In addition, these drugs contain a rather low concentration of vasoconstrictors, and some do not contain them at all (preparations based on mepivacaine).

Inflammation of the nerve or pulpitis is treated with anesthesia, which was mentioned earlier. Treatment of periodontitis (inflammation of the peri-root tissues of the tooth), most often, is carried out without the use of anesthetics. However, in both cases, X-rays are necessary, which allow high-quality filling of the root canals. In general, x-rays are contraindicated before the 20th week of pregnancy. After this period, x-rays are allowed, only the doctor must know about your situation. If the office is not equipped with a special X-ray installation (the radiation dose is reduced tens of times), which protects the doctor and patient from radiation, the doctor will provide you with a so-called lead apron to protect your stomach.

Tooth extraction during pregnancy.
If it is not possible to save the tooth, it is removed under local anesthesia. To avoid any complications, you must strictly follow all medical recommendations (do not rinse, do not heat the surgical area, etc.). If it is necessary to remove a wisdom tooth, then it is better to postpone such removal until later, since such removal is usually accompanied by the prescription of antibiotics.

Prosthetics, fluoridation and teeth whitening during pregnancy.
There are no contraindications to prosthetics. The procedures performed by an orthopedic dentist are usually painless and safe. But dental implantation is not recommended, since the process of engrafting implants is accompanied by large costs for the body. A young mother should direct all her strength and energy to the development of a healthy child. In addition, implants are most often implanted under the influence of medications, the action of which reduces the body’s reactivity, which is an absolute contraindication during pregnancy.

To preserve and strengthen tooth enamel during pregnancy, local fluoridation with fluoride-containing solutions and varnishes is recommended. In domestic practice, the application method of fluoridation is used, in which a so-called “individual tray” (wax casts of teeth) is made, into the recesses of which a fluoride-containing composition is poured, after which the casts are applied to the patient’s teeth (10-15 procedures), and the second method is carrying fluoride varnish with a brush on the surface of the teeth (3-4 visits).

The teeth whitening procedure during pregnancy is absolutely safe and harmless to the expectant mother and fetus. It is carried out in two stages: removing and removing plaque and tartar using ultrasound and treating teeth with special whitening pastes. Teeth whitening is carried out within an hour.

How to preserve teeth during pregnancy?
The birth of a child must be taken very seriously, therefore, long before pregnancy itself, both parents should cure all damaged teeth, since affected teeth are a source of infection, which negatively affects the health of mother and baby.

The best and most effective way to fight bacteria is to thoroughly brush your teeth in the morning and evening. During pregnancy, it is best to use a medium-hard toothbrush. The brush must be changed three times during the entire period of pregnancy. If your gums are bleeding heavily, use a soft-bristled brush. But it is not recommended to use an electric brush during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

To care for the oral cavity, you should additionally use dental floss or floss, which allows you to clean the interdental spaces; you can use dental elixirs, which have a cleansing and protective effect. Also, after every meal during pregnancy (and not only) you should rinse your mouth with boiled water.

Toothpaste used during pregnancy should also be of high quality: it should prevent the development of caries and gum disease and strengthen tooth enamel. Your dentist can recommend a suitable toothpaste during your consultation.

In addition, in order to preserve your teeth during pregnancy, you should limit yourself from consuming carbohydrate foods, especially sweets and starchy foods. A pregnant woman's diet should be balanced and include the necessary macro- and microelements and vitamins (calcium, phosphorus and fluorine, as well as vitamin D). Your daily diet should include fish oil, chicken eggs, cod liver, vegetables and fruits, cottage cheese, cheese, nuts and other products. During pregnancy, a woman should take vitamin and mineral complexes for pregnant women daily.

Pregnancy is perhaps the most crucial period in the life of every woman who decides to become a mother. Throughout the entire period of embryo development, the maternal body is constantly exposed to unforeseen tests. Whether it is worth deciding on dental treatment during pregnancy in the 1st trimester is a controversial question. Even with the availability of modern equipment in dental offices, not all pregnant women decide to receive the necessary help in the first trimester.

The effect of pregnancy on dental health

In the first trimester of pregnancy, the placenta is not fully formed. For this reason, it cannot yet serve as a reliable protective barrier for the embryo. The negative impact of substances penetrating into the maternal body before the final formation of the placenta poses a high threat to the fetus.

Pregnancy proceeds differently for every woman; in any case, the full development of the fetus requires large resources of the mother’s body. When laying the internal organs of an unborn baby, a woman may lose a greater supply of her vitality and resources. And it is not surprising if a pregnant woman suddenly starts having problems with her teeth. Dentin tends to soften over the years and under constant chewing load, which invariably leads to the development of caries. This disease progresses and after a short time turns into pulpitis.

Even if a pregnant woman did not have dental problems before conception, there is a high risk of them appearing already in the first trimester. To prevent possible dental pathologies, you should consult a dentist in a timely manner. Immediately after conception, a change in the calcium balance occurs in the body of the expectant mother. In the first trimester, the placenta strengthens, and the fetal bone tissue grows rapidly. Calcium deficiency in the maternal body during this period is common. Replenishing calcium reserves by introducing large amounts of calcium-containing foods into the diet will not give the expected result. Consequently, the body “goes in search” of a useful trace element. The teeth are the first to be hit.

The second important factor in tooth decay is the work of the salivary glands, which after conception somewhat change their usual “behavior.” A pregnant woman produces saliva in large volumes and significantly changes its chemical composition. The protective properties of saliva during pregnancy are significantly reduced, which makes tooth enamel most vulnerable to the spread of caries.

According to statistics, 30% of pregnant women who have hidden infectious foci in the body give birth to children with weak immunity and various pathologies. In the first place, these foci include maternal dental diseases.

Dental diseases

In everyday life, the threatening factors for the development of dental diseases include the following:

• exposure to food consumed, especially its remains in the oral cavity;
• genetic inheritance;
• pathologies of the digestive system;
• the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the oral mucosa;
• diseases of the ENT organs;
• unfavorable environmental conditions;
• frequent stressful situations.

In dentistry, the percentage of visits from pregnant women exceeds 20%.

Most often, women present with pulpitis. This is an advanced state of caries transition to a more acute form, when destroyed dentin tissue allows infection to the pulp, a bundle of blood vessels and nerve endings located in the coronal part or in the root canals themselves. Pulpitis worsens at night, when a person takes a horizontal position in bed. The most striking symptoms cannot be confused with anything:

• increasing pain with throbbing;
• radiating pain to the neck and head;
• the cavity destroyed by caries has greater depth and width;
• sometimes an unpleasant smell of rot and hydrogen sulfide comes from the mouth;
• swelling of the facial part around the diseased tooth.

Pulpitis can be acute or chronic. In acute cases, there are paroxysmal throbbing pains. In a chronic course, the symptoms are mild, more reminiscent of an untreated stage of caries. Caries is a common clinical sign of all dental diseases.

If a pregnant woman notices the first signs of early-stage caries, treatment is simply necessary. At this stage, you can still avoid the use of anesthetic drugs. Caries begins asymptomatically and is sometimes very difficult to track. The gradual destruction of hard dental tissues without obvious symptoms in dentistry is called carious inflammation. There are three types of caries:

• Surface;
• Average;
• Deep.

The appearance of roughness on the surface of tooth enamel is already a serious signal about the development of the disease. Gradually, the tooth begins to react painfully to hot, cold, sweet, and sour. Food fragments entering the newly formed hole are retained there, creating a source of infection. Pathogenic microbes rapidly destroy dentin, deepening the hole and approaching the pulp. The diseased tooth darkens, and this indicates deep tissue damage.

The next step in tooth destruction if caries is ignored is pulpitis. Penetrating infection from the root canal through the opening of a carious lesion can infect the periosteum. Thus, the disease develops into periodontitis. The pain reaches such intensity that the patient can neither eat nor sleep. The slightest physical exertion when closing the jaws causes severe pulsation, which is marked by residual pain throughout the head and neck. Body temperature often rises.

One of the types of periodontitis is granuloma. It occurs asymptomatically and is identified by a small formation at the root of the tooth. It can only be detected after an x-ray. Granuloma can be “frozen” and progressive. Depending on the form of the granuloma, the dentist decides on further treatment of this lesion: medication or surgery.

Cystic neoplasms in the tooth root are also common. The cyst tends to grow rapidly. Increasing in size, the cyst puts pressure on the bone tissue, thereby reducing it. It is difficult to describe the most characteristic signs of cystic inflammation of the teeth. Pathology can be revealed by sudden swelling with changes in facial shape. A cyst carries a high risk of infection of blood vessels and spread of infection throughout the body.

In cases where drug treatment does not produce the expected results, dentists resort to surgical resolution of the pathology. In some cases, complete tooth extraction is inevitable. After such events, a course of antibiotics is mandatory, and this, as you know, is an extremely controversial issue for a pregnant woman.

A woman who is often exposed to stressful situations during pregnancy feels a negative impact on all organs of the digestive system, and teeth are not excluded from this complex chain. Severe attacks of toothache can cause changes in the body of a woman and her embryo at the physiological level. By enduring severe pain, a woman provokes an additional release of hormones into the blood, which qualitatively change the functioning of internal organs and affect the formation of the fetus.

A high danger in all dental diseases is suppuration of soft tissues and the formation of gumboil. A dental infection has the ability to rapidly spread through the bloodstream in a pregnant woman’s body, reaching the embryo. In the first trimester, the fetus can be infected due to the still increased permeability of the placenta. Therefore, postponing dental treatment in the 1st trimester of pregnancy in case of acute pain until later is extremely dangerous.

Is it possible to treat teeth in the first trimester of pregnancy?

Treatment of a diseased tooth involves a whole range of forced and necessary measures, depending on the stage of tooth decay. This:

• radiography;
• anesthesia;
• removal of damaged dentin tissue using a bur;
• cleaning of canals (in case of pulpitis);
• canal filling;
• filling the crown part of the tooth;
• grinding the filling.

Having decided to visit the dentist in the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman must be informed of the exact date and possible drug intolerance. Treatment begins with an examination of the patient. The doctor will only treat units that are in critical condition. One tooth is usually treated at one time. When it is necessary to treat several teeth simultaneously, the doctor determines the most affected ones and begins treatment. Carrying out such treatment at once in one step can be an unbearable burden for a pregnant woman.

A woman sits down in a dental chair. The doctor conducts an examination. A pregnant woman should sit in the dental chair with a slight turn to the left side to reduce the risk of possible fainting and avoid a decrease in blood pressure during prolonged stay in this position. If possible, treatment is attempted without the use of local anesthesia. Modern drills are equipped with additional functions that reduce the sensitivity of dental tissues when the bur is in use: adjusting the rotation speed, supplying water to the treated surface of the coronal part of the tooth.

X-ray examination is not recommended in the first trimester. However, in cases where there is an urgent need for an image, in order to see the clearest picture of the source of inflammation, an x-ray is still taken. The patient is seated in a special chair and the body is covered with maximum coverage of the surface of the abdominal cavity and pelvis with a lead apron. Modern film and x-ray sensors are highly sensitive and do not require increased x-ray radiation.

Most clinics perform X-rays using a radiovisiograph, a device that uses a minimal dose of radiation to obtain an image. Moreover, radiovisiographs act precisely on the specified area for research. Therefore, there is no point in a woman worrying about the condition of the fetus during this procedure. Medical research states that when one x-ray is taken in the mouth, the amount of radiation received is equivalent to two hours spent in front of a computer monitor.

Having decided on the area of ​​work, the dentist decides whether to use or refuse painkillers. Anesthetics used in the first trimester of pregnancy can have a negative effect on the embryo. First of all, the anesthetic causes rapid vasoconstriction. It is advisable to perform anesthesia for pregnant women with drugs with a low degree of impact on blood vessels. The best options today are Ultracain and Ubistezin.

Things are much more complicated when you have to restore several teeth.

Is it possible to remove teeth in the first trimester of pregnancy?

Tooth extraction in the first trimester of pregnancy should be taken with particular seriousness. The optimal period for tooth extraction in pregnant women is the second trimester. The risk of impaired embryo development in the second trimester is reduced. Anesthetics can no longer get through the formed layer of the placenta to the fetus.

Almost all people resort to removing diseased teeth only in the most critical situations, when the pain can no longer be tolerated, and most of the crown and root parts of the tooth cannot be restored. Such a tooth is a dangerous source of infection, putting the maternal body and fetus at high risk. In these cases, delaying removal is dangerous.

After the removal of a diseased tooth, the patient also has to endure a very ambiguous postoperative period. After the anesthetic wears off, there will be pain and bleeding at the surgical site for a long time. Taking painkillers in this case is not advisable, however, it is also not worth enduring prolonged severe pain, which is no exception after removal.

Often after removal there is a need to prescribe antibiotics. This is how you can overcome an infection that cannot leave the sore spot too quickly. Taking any medications should be discussed with your doctor.

Is it possible to brush your teeth in the first trimester of pregnancy?

Every modern person brushes his teeth daily. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day after morning and evening meals. To do this, use toothpastes or tooth powders. Today, the choice of toothpastes and powders is so diverse that each person has the opportunity to choose a teeth cleaning product based on their own budget and the needs of the body.

Toothpastes with therapeutic and preventive action help maintain dental health. Brushing your teeth at home allows you to remove plaque on tooth enamel, which is formed as a result of the absorption of various foods that have the ability to stick and destroy dental tissue. Poor hygiene will contribute to the accumulation of plaque at the base of the teeth. Gradually, on the visible root surface of the teeth, food fragments, “overgrown” with pathogenic microflora, begin to turn into hard areas. This is how tartar develops.

One of the reasons for the formation of tartar is an imbalance in the salt balance in the body. Pregnant women are at risk for dental calculus formation. Soft plaque can be removed with special dental devices. If the dentist carries out this procedure in a timely manner, then there is a chance to avoid the development of other diseases of the oral mucosa and internal organs. Hardened tartar poses a high threat to a woman’s health. Progressing on the tooth enamel, the stone “picks up” to the base of the tooth root, thins the walls and ultimately leads to the loss of this unit.

During pregnancy, the diet and diet changes qualitatively, therefore, a woman is recommended to reconsider the methods of care and preventive measures for the oral cavity. We are talking about the following:

• Teeth brushing should be done twice a day;
• after eating, use dental floss and special rinses;
• To brush your teeth, use a medium-hard toothbrush;
• exclude toothpastes with a whitening effect;
• opt for toothpastes for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes;
• change toothpaste at least once a quarter, buying products from other manufacturers;
• include dairy products in your diet that provide your daily calcium intake;
• take additional vitamin complexes and microelements.

If a soda solution is used when brushing your teeth, a pregnant woman should be careful. Accidental ingestion of soda solution inside is undesirable throughout the entire period of pregnancy. However, soda solution perfectly relieves external inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, and also copes with toothache.

Pregnant women should pay special attention to their gums. Gingivitis can be a consequence of hormonal changes after conception. Bacterial decay products quickly penetrate into the blood, causing inflammation of the gums and having an extremely negative effect on the embryo. Cases of extensive infection of the fetus leading to termination of pregnancy should not be ruled out. Such oral diseases must be treated immediately.

Massages can be performed as preventive measures. A little toothpaste is applied to the surface of the gums, and then massage movements are made towards the gums with the thumb and forefinger. When massaging, you should not put too much pressure on the gums, and it is recommended to massage every day for 5-7 minutes.

Modern pharmacology offers a large selection of therapeutic drugs to strengthen the gums and mucous membranes of the oral cavity. Most preparations for dental needs consist of a plant base of medicinal herbs. For example, the drugs “Rotokan” and “Chlorophyllipt”. You can prepare decoctions for oral care at home from sage, calendula flowers, chamomile, and yarrow. In any case, all measures must be coordinated with the doctor observing the pregnancy.

Conclusion

The ideal period to visit the dentist is the second trimester. And, despite the fact that modern pharmacological agents are neutral and hypoallergenic, force majeure circumstances cannot be ruled out. A pregnant woman is at risk in any case, because dental diseases also cause an increase in the level of leukocytes in the blood.

Dental diseases accompanied by severe inflammation, fever, acute pain and swelling require immediate treatment. In the first trimester, treatment is justified only in cases where there is more benefit from it than possible harm.

Progressive caries will lead to pulpitis, and in the absence of proper treatment, to periodontitis. If inflammation starts, you can lose a tooth. Tooth extraction in the first trimester of pregnancy is highly discouraged. If possible, problems with dental diseases can be eliminated from the beginning of the second trimester, however, this rule does not apply to cases with acute conditions. It should be remembered that a diseased tooth is a source of infection in the body of any person.

Women who regularly undergo dental examinations are not in danger of unpleasant surprises, both before the moment of conception and throughout the entire period of pregnancy.