Pregnancy - Oral health Care Considerations

Plan elective dental care during the 2^nd trimester.
Recognize signs and symptoms of supine hypotension – lightheadedness, tinnitus, restlessness, pallor, sweating, and drop in blood pressure, which can result in syncope and even unconsciousness and convulsions.
Supine hypotensive episodes may be reversed during the 3^rd trimester by placing the patient on her left side. A rolled-up towel or pillow can be placed below the woman’s right hip.
Changing position of the dental chair from a supine to sitting position should be performed slowly.
Periodontal therapy during pregnancy is efficacious and safe. There are insufficient data to support the provision of periodontal therapy for the purpose of reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Scaling and prophylaxis is safe during pregnancy and will decrease gingival inflammation.
Prescribe dental radiographs according to usual and customary selection criteria. Always use high-speed film, proper filtration and collimation, and a lead apron. Always cover the thyroid.
Be aware of possible teratogenic effects of medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Any tooth mobility associated with pregnancy will stabilize after childbirth.
Pregnancy tumors may be surgically removed but will usually regress spontaneously after the pregnancy.
Advise the patient about the risk for caries with different food cravings.
Instruct the patient to rinse her mouth with water if she vomits repeatedly.

Medical Complexity Status - Pregnancy#

See Medical Complexity Status for more information.