"yes , I am relieved of the pain now, but what if it recurs?" I felt helpless, because I couldn’t give her a permanent solution right then. The patient was in the ninth month of pregnancy, complaining of tooth ache from deep decay which has reached the pulp(Nerve).
Tooth ache is supposed to be one of the most excruciating pain. Is it justifiable to subject a woman who is about to experience the labor pain to dental pain also? Some Gynecologists and Obstetricians do not consider this aspect with required seriousness and many a common man is not aware of the importance of the regular Dental Check-up.
CARE OF CAVITIES: I came across many pregnant women who were in their last trimester ( last 3 months of pregnancy) with toothache. The toothache which is due to the involvement of pulp (Nerve). When tooth decay is allowed to progress without treatment it can involve the nerve at a later stage and at this stage the patient gets severe pain. Most people believe that once the cavity is deep and affects the nerve the tooth should be removed, this is not true any more. Process of saving such a tooth is known as Root Canal treatment. It requires 3-4 sittings and the tooth nerve is removed and the tooth is disinfected. During the third trimester none of the above treatment is usually possible because of delicate mental and physical condition of mother.
In some cases tooth infection can also cause a big swelling , Not many possibilities exist to treat such patients. Only some kind of temporary dressing is given to provide some pain relief. Giving certain strong medicines is usually not advised for the pregnant mother, as it may cause damage to the unborn child.
CARE OF GUMS: Maintenance of gums is very important . Pregnant ladies are advised routine cleaning of teeth by a Dentist during early months of pregnancy. Increase of Hormones in the body during this period easily leads of swollen gums unless the teeth are kept absolutely clean. Gum swelling can also make the teeth loose during pregnancy, because during the labor (pain) some women clench their teeth very strongly, it can cause damage to teeth which will last lifelong.
Good nutrition of mother also helps in getting strong teeth for the child. Taking of regular calcium and other vitamins supplements can be useful for this purpose in addition to taking a good and balanced diet.
One study has pointed out that number of women loosing all their teeth at an early age is higher than the male counterparts , is it fair? it is high time that women got there share of Dental Care. More importantly if mothers realize the importance and methods of maintaining good teeth the children of these mothers would also benefit and have healthy teeth.
Most women are under the care of an Obstetrician from the beginning of the pregnancy. I make an appeal to all Lady Doctors and would be mothers. Would be mothers should make it a point to get complete Dental check-up before of during early stages of pregnancy. I request all the Lady doctors to explain to such patients and refer them for a regular Dental Check-up.
Would be mother should realize the importance of Dental check-up and attend to any dental problems at the early stage. When playing with your beautiful child would you like to kiss him with bad, decayed teeth and foul smelling mouth?
Courtesy of healthmantra.com
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