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Thirty-three-year-old Lucie encountered this in her first trimester. "My gums bled every time I had a cleaning. At first I didn't pay attention to it, but as it got worse, I started to get nervous. The dentist told me it was normal in pregnancy. But it wasn't until the dental hygienist explained that it wasn't supposed to be and that it could affect my baby."
Lucie is no exception. And that's why there should be a lot more talk about oral care during pregnancy.
When inflammation in the mouth puts a strain on the whole body
Gingivitis in pregnancy, if left untreated, can develop into periodontitis, which is linked not only to oral health but also to immunity, diabetes, heart, blood vessels and even premature birth. Dental hygienist Mgr. Renáta Sarah Horák Vedlich, DiS. from AKESO Polyclinic in Prague's Nové Butovice, points out that women often underestimate their gum problems.
"Pregnancy is a hormonal storm. The gums are more sensitive, more blood-soaked, they become inflamed faster. They react to bacterial infection or uncleaned plaque. If gingivitis occurs, and the gums start to bleed, harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream throughout the body, which poses a great risk. It can weaken immunity, worsen blood sugar levels or overload the vascular system. All this can also affect the course of pregnancy," explains the expert.
The body is much more sensitive to any inflammation during this period. And the gums are one of the most common places where chronic inflammation likes to arise. Without pain, without warning - and yet it can affect the health of the whole couple: mother and child.
Hygiene appointments can - and should - be made during pregnancy.
The good news is that most problems can be prevented. All it takes is a regular visit to the dental hygienist. "Dental hygiene in pregnancy is completely safe, gentle and adapted to the woman's condition. It is not only about removing tartar, but above all about prevention and education. We will show women in the office how to use interdental brushes correctly, recommend appropriate sizes, discuss the technique of cleaning with a conventional or electric toothbrush, and most importantly - we will give them the space for questions and explanations that they often miss at the dentist. Very often we also discuss with them the care of their unborn child's teeth. So that they are prepared and know what to do when their baby's first tooth starts to come in," says the hygienist.
Care that goes beyond the waiting room
At the AKESO Polyclinic in Prague, pregnant women are systematically targeted. In addition to dental hygiene, mothers-to-be will find comprehensive dental care here, including orthodontics, periodontics, implantology, stomatology, jaw joint counselling and expert advice to help women navigate what is safe, desirable and beneficial during pregnancy. "Our goal is to make the pregnant woman feel informed and reassured. So that she knows that by taking care of her teeth and gums, she is protecting not only herself, but also her baby," explains the hygienist.
AKESO Polyclinic also has excellent follow-up care available for expectant mothers - from gynaecology and pregnancy counselling, antenatal talks, pregnancy massage, 4D ultrasound, to nutritional counselling and beauty services. It's all here under one roof, with an approach that thinks about the individual needs of women during this sensitive time.
A smile for two
Lucie ended up returning regularly for dental hygiene. "It was one of those moments when I felt like I was doing something not only for myself but for the baby as well. And when my daughter was born healthy and I didn't have any problems with her teeth, I knew it was worth it."
Health in pregnancy is not just about what we eat or how often we exercise. It starts much earlier - even as early as the toothbrush in the bathroom. And sometimes it only takes a small step, like a visit to the dental hygienist, to make a big difference. Not just for you, but for the little things you carry under your heart.
Want to make sure you're giving your body and your baby the best? Make an appointment for dental hygiene at AKESO Poliklinika in Nové Butovice and treat yourself to care that makes sense. Professionally, gently and with respect for you and your pregnancy.
