Pregnancy brings profound hormonal and physiological changes that can significantly influence oral health. Dental management of pregnant patients requires special attention, timely counselling, and trimester-specific care to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the foetus. Contrary to common myths, maintaining good oral health during pregnancy is not only safe but essential.
Oral Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy-related hormonal fluctuations can exaggerate the gingival response to plaque, leading to several oral manifestations such as:
Pregnancy gingivitis (a well-recognised entity)
Gingival hyperplasia
Pyogenic granuloma (pregnancy tumour)
Salivary changes
Good oral hygiene plays a crucial role in preventing or reducing the severity of these hormone-mediated inflammatory changes.
Dental Management During Pregnancy
First Trimester
Educate patients about maternal oral changes during pregnancy
Emphasise strict oral hygiene instructions and plaque control
Limit dental treatment to prophylaxis and emergency care only
Avoid routine radiographs
Second Trimester
Organogenesis is complete and fetal risk is minimal
Scaling, polishing, and necessary curative procedures can be safely performed
Control of active oral disease is recommended
Elective dental care is generally safe
Avoid routine X-rays unless absolutely essential
Third Trimester
Avoid elective dental treatment during the latter half
Provide emergency care only
Avoid radiographic exposure
Common Myths
It is often said that “a mother loses one tooth for every baby”. There is no medical or scientific evidence supporting this statement. Poor oral hygiene not pregnancy is the real cause of dental problems.
Conclusion
Dental care during pregnancy is safe, necessary, and beneficial when provided with proper precautions. Early counselling, preventive care, and trimester-appropriate treatment can help maintain optimal oral health and dispel long-standing myths. Dentists should actively encourage women of childbearing age to seek oral health evaluation as soon as pregnancy is confirmed.
MBH/AB