Ashfaque Zaman delves into dental hygiene for pregnant women
Photo: Ashraf Uddin Apu
A visit to the dentist can be a daunting experience, especially for someone who is carrying a new life inside her. However, walking into the immaculate office of Park Road Dental, Dr Saidur Chowdhury’s professionalism and empathetic approach makes the dilemmas of pregnancy that much easier.
Is it safe for pregnant women to have dental work done if the work requires anesthesia?
We try to avoid anesthetics as much as possible. If the process is very invasive such as tooth removal, we fervently try to reduce the pain and deal with any symptom until after the pregnancy. If attention is required such as in an infection, we use Lidocaine without adrenaline.
We know that X-ray should absolutely be avoided during pregnancy- if there are cases in which an X-ray is required, how do you diagnose and rectify that situation?
We know that X-rays should be avoided, however, the radiation emitted in dental X-rays is minimal and therefore they can be taken. If an X-ray is not possible, then we control the situation with small chairside treatments for symptom relief until it can be rectified.
Some studies say that the second trimester is the best time for dental treatment? Is that true for all cases?
Yes, this is true. For example, when we do a routine cleaning, we use ultrasonic equipment. Normally it is perfectly safe but the vibrations can cause the pregnancy to terminate if it is in the very early weeks. We don’t do anything during these months unless it is absolutely unavoidable. Again, during the third trimester, the baby has grown to a size where it won’t be comfortable for a pregnant woman to be sitting on a dental chair for a thirty to forty minute process.
What are some of the dental problems that pregnant women are more susceptible to, when compared to a regular patient?
Certain changes happen during pregnancy, particularly in food habits. Pregnant women tend to have frequent small meals due to the additional nutrition required. The hormonal changes cause the blood vessels to grow inside the gums that make the gums extra tender. The slightest touch may irritate the gums. Morning sickness, which causes vomiting and acid reflux, will weaken the enamel, a common problem that we see as dentists.
Pregnancy gingivitis is apparently a common problem pregnant ladies face. What remedies would you suggest for this?
It is actually the most common problem. Again, as pregnant women are having small meals, they have food getting trapped in their more vascular and slightly inflamed gums. There are no known remedies except brushing religiously. Normally they brush twice a day however due to the changes in the meal time and frequency, I would recommend that they brush three times a day instead of two; use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristle brush.
Are there any particular food or natural remedies that may perpetuate greater dental hygiene for these women?
They should definitely have plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoiding sticky foods such as chocolate is recommended although that may be easier said than done. It is hard at times, so they should brush right after having chocolates.
Are there any particular nutritional requirements that pregnant women should intake to promote better dental health?
Extra protein is always recommended. There is one thing that I always suggest on the side. Most pregnant women are not getting the required amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Calcium. So I usually recommend a Vitamin D and Calcium combo supplement.
Is there any particular reason these vitamins should be taken to promote oral hygiene?
This is not commonly known but when the baby is growing, the mother needs to take a lot of extra calcium. The bones and the teeth of the baby form in the last few months, therefore, a supplement should be taken. Women will lose a certain amount of calcium from their bones and teeth every time they have a baby. Therefore pregnant women should take extra calcium to remedy this problem.
Are there any particular cases of pregnant women who were absolutely terrified or had irrational fears to have any dental treatment done?
I have yet to encounter any of those as we have a serene atmosphere and a more personal approach for the comfort of pregnant women. I did have one case in which a soon-to-be mother had dental treatment, a root canal, which we had partially done, and advised her, to complete the test after her pregnancy. She came back after she was pregnant again!
A pregnant mother has enough on her mind but Saidur Chowdhury’s warmth would put a smile even on those who are simply petrified at the thought of lying back to have their oral cavities probed and prodded. Pregnancy is a time in which every step requires extra caution and Park Road Dental ensures that a smile is as radiant as the life an expectant mother is carrying.