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Preserve
your self-esteem during your pregnancy taking good care of
your teeth |
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Which
measures of buccal hygiene can you take while you're
pregnant?
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- You should always clean your teeth after
the meals with a smooth brush, so that the bristles can
reach interstices between the teeth in circular movements
and so that all teeth can be cleaned.
- The use of dental floss is fundamental to better clean
areas that bristles can't reach.
- Preferably use toothpastes containing fluorine.
- Your teeth may bleed, even if you properly brush them, due
to loose gum caused by pregnancy or some bacterial plaque
that can form under the gums.
- It is important that the dentist, in order to avoid
occasional decays and to take prophylactic measures,
eliminating bacterial plaque, clinically examine the
pregnant woman
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Which
is the most convenient period for dental care during your pregnancy?
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If
a dental treatment is needed, it is better to wait until the
third month, that is to say until a period when pregnant women
have overcome the initial and little stable phase of the
baby's formation. |
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Is
it possible to x-ray while being pregnant?
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Yes,
in case an x-ray is indispensable. It is extremely necessary
to use leaded aprons preventing the radiation of x-rays,
although computerized digital radiology programs already
exist: they take pictures through magnetic sensors, which
reduce in 96% the exposure to x-rays, thus avoiding the use
of films and development, providing pregnant women with more
comfort and a simpler procedure. |
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May
I take anesthetics or medicine as I am pregnant?
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Yes,
since your dentist is aware of the risks and uses these
products in accordance with your GP's orientations.
However, keep in mind that any medicine (anesthetics,
antibiotics,...) shouldn't be taken during the first three
months, while your baby is still forming.
Note:
Mainly tetracycline should be avoided, since it is proven to
stain the teeth of the future baby.
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Is
it possible to have surgery to place dental implants while
being pregnant?
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It
is possible, but not recommended. The kind of operation
required for implants is likely to generate some anxiety in
the patient. Besides, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and
analgesics have to be prescribed. Any implant surgery should
thus be postponed and take place after delivery. |
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May
small surgeries such as dental extractions be done while
being pregnant?
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Yes,
but it is better, whenever possible,
to postpone them or to wait
until the pregnancy's first quarter is over. |
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Why
do gums get more inflamed during pregnancy?
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Gums
become flabbier and more elastic along pregnancy. Moreover,
there is an increase in vascularization of the structures
surrounding and supporting the teeth, like periodontal
tissues. However, if the future mother maintains a perfect
oral hygiene including gum massage, bacterial plaque can be
avoided, consequently eliminating those gum problems. Should
she nevertheless already face serious gum problems, they
could get worse while she's pregnant; that's why it is
necessary to be doubly careful. |
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Should
fluorine be prescribed during pregnancy?
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Yes.
Fluorine can protect both the pregnant woman and her future
baby. In case of no contraindication, it should be given in
accordance with the proper dosage supplied by the
manufacturer. |
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