Pregnancy, breast-feeding

Pregnancy

X-rays

Anaesthesia

In case of a pregnancy almost each of the possible dental treatments can be performed and anaesthesia may be administered as well. It is advisable though to inform the dentist about the pregnancy because some treatments may best be postponed or adjourned (e.g. the taking of X-rays in the first period of the pregnancy). If the frequently occurring reflex of the pharynx causes a problem (nausea) and the treatment is not urgent, it is advisable to postpone it (this usually only occurs in the first months of the pregnancy.)

Calcium

It is a common misconception that the baby ‘sucks’ the calcium out of the teeth of the pregnant mother whose teeth definitely decay during the pregnancy and the breast-feeding. Luckily this is not the case as the calcium present in the teeth cannot be drawn out. If one keeps a good oral hygiene there won’t be any damage in the teeth by the end of the pregnancy and the breast-feeding period.

Gingivitis

During pregnancy an increased oral hygiene must be maintained as hormonal changes may cause unfavourable changes in the mouth, such as a change in the composition of the saliva or gingivitis that forms more easily. In case of perfect tooth brushing only gingivitis may not be terminated completely (this usually only causes a problem in the 3-4 and the 8-9 months) but it may significantly decreased as well.

Breast-feeding

In case of a breast-feeding almost each of the possible dental treatments can be performed as well but medications must be taken with caution.