Pregnent women should care more about dental health (response from Dina)

Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause many pregnant women to have problems that they didn't have before they became pregnant. The gum tissue is more sensitive to irritation. They swell, become inflamed, turn red, bleed and are often painful. These reactionsare to the plaque surrounding the teeth. Many dentists believe thatpregnant women should have three or at least two dental cleanings during the time that women are pregnant. Home care should beexcellent. Of course, dentists would prefer to avoid toothextraction during pregnancy. However, the best interests of thechild must be thought of too. A mother in constant pain, whilecarrying a child, is stressing out her body. This is not healthyfor the child. Modern tooth extraction procedures are very gentleand many patients are not even aware that their tooth has beenremoved. The dental anaesthetics have epinephrine in them thatcloses the local blood vessels and keeps the anaesthetic in the areaof concern and away from the baby.Antibiotics and pain medicine should be prescribed to reduce thepossibility of infection and to reduce any pain associated with theextraction. Before any extractions, a pregnant woman must be inher 2nd trimester before any extraction is performed. Mostobstetricians believe that it is safe to remove a wisdom toothduring this period if it is done with minimal trauma. Most OB/GYNsallow for full dental care during the last trimester and mostelective dental care during the second trimester. The firsttrimester is when there is disagreement. The baby is forming duringthe first three months of life. It's making its liver, kidneys,heart and everything that a human being will need. During the secondtrimester, baby is just growing so there's very little to bedisturbed. The last trimester is a problem for the mom, not the kid.Sitting in a dental chair for a hour or two in the same position cancause a mom's legs to go out. It is important to get specialinstructions from your physician to give to the oral surgeon,especially if you have issues with miscarriages.In the mean time keep the area clean with your tooth brush. I know it may not feel very good, but until you have the tooth removed,that is a necessity. Also, rinse your mouth with warm salt water 2to 3 times a day. This will help with some of the discomfort. Itsound like you may need a bite guard to wear at night to help withyour tmj pains. You may see a general dentist for this, or if youcan't afford it or have no insurance, go to the nearest sporting goods store and buy a rubber bite guard football players wear. Itcomes in various sizes.
source: www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/