During pregnancy we observe some oro-dental tissue changes like -

-Pain in the tooth bearing region

-Uneven gum swelling

-Foul mouth breathing

-Bleeding from gum during tooth brushing or biting on a hard object

-Sloughing out of oral tissues look like reddish circular depression (oral apthae)

-Abnormal growth of gum and tongue tissue (pregnancy epulis)

These changes occur during the 1st two or three months of pregnancy due to increased level of female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone in the blood stream, which causes hyper metabolism in tissues. It is the normal physiological mechanism of the body.

If the above symptoms are felt by mother don't worry. These symptoms will disappear gradually within few months or after delivery. If the symptoms persist and mother can't tolerate, she should immediately consult an oro-dental surgeon. Here oro-dental should give only a conservative treatment like;

-Give oral hygiene instruction (OHI), as regular twice daily tooth brushing after breakfast and before bed at night,

-Scaling and polishing for removing dental plaque and calculus cautiously,

-Give anti-bacterial mouth wash for gurgling.

It is better not to prescribe drug to the mother, if oro-dental surgeon wants to prescribe any drug, the dental surgeon must consult with her gynecologist.

We should always remember that first and last three months of pregnancy is the most critical time for both mother and new born because major growth and development of newborn takes place at this time. So, any type of drug taken by mother directly goes to the new born and may retard growth and development of new born because mother and new born are connected to each other by a channel called placenta.

If the above requirements are full-filled to the mother, we may welcome a sound and healthy newborn.