Common oral diseases during pregnancy
Pregnancy Gingivitis
Cause:
During pregnancy, the hormonal changes exaggerate the response of the gum tissues
to the plaque bacterial toxins, resulting in the development of “Pregnancy Gingivitis".
Symptoms:
Gingival inflammation and gingival bleeding when brushing.
Prevention and treatment:
• Pregnancy Gingivitis can be prevented if the expectant mother can effectively
brush her teeth with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before bed at night
and floss her teeth daily to thoroughly remove dental plaque. This oral hygiene
habit can also promote healing of mild gingival inflammation.
• Pregnant women can receive scaling between the 4th to 6th month during pregnancy
because within this period, the foetus is more stable. Hence it is more convenient
for expectant mothers to receive treatments.
Related topics:
Brushing Methods
Using dental floss
Tooth sensitivity
Cause:
During pregnancy, an expectant mother may crave for acidic food or vomit easily.
These acidic food and vomit will erode the outer layer of the teeth (enamel) and expose the inner layer (dentine),
resulting in tooth sensitivity.
Symptoms:
If the expectant mother has no tooth decay or pulp inflammation, but feels sharp
pain in her teeth which is triggered by hot, cold, sour or sweet food, or by toothbrushing
and flossing, she may have got tooth sensitivity.
Prevention and treatment:
• Avoid eating sweet and sour food
• Consult the dentist if the expectant mother has tooth
sensitivity
Related topics:
Toothache and Painful Gingivae (Gums)
Prevention of Tooth Sensitivity (Leaflet) (PDF)
Dental Caries
Pregnant woman often crave for sweet and sour food due to dietary change. Food and
drink intake may also become more frequent. Therefore, the chance of getting Dental
Caries may increase.
Related topics:
Dental Caries
Eat appropriatesssssly (Leaflet) (PDF)