During pregnancy, paying attention to the mother’s health is a top priority. However, among all these care measures, oral and dental health is still considered a less important issue by many women. According to doctors, dental problems can go beyond simple pain and may pose serious risks to the health of the fetus.
Swita Fetnat, a dentist in Faryab, says, “Maintaining oral health can prevent gum problems. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause gum inflammation and bleeding. Additionally, if gum or dental infections are left untreated, they can enter the bloodstream and cause problems for both the mother and the fetus.”
Dentists recommend that pregnant women brush their teeth at least once or twice daily. They also emphasize reducing sugar intake and maintaining regular oral hygiene. Swita Fetnat adds,
“Important recommendations for pregnant women include brushing twice daily, preferably with fluoride toothpaste, using dental floss, and reducing sugary foods. For dental checkups, the best time is during the sixth month of pregnancy. If there is bleeding or gum pain, they must see a doctor immediately.”
Pregnant women who have experienced dental pain during this period describe the health challenges it brings. Fatima, a 25-year-old from Faryab, who experienced this problem during her first pregnancy, says,
“It was a very serious problem. Several times I tried to remove the flap, but it kept growing, and each time the bleeding increased. I think many women face dental pain issues. Doctors should provide awareness in free clinics or through other health offices to reduce these problems.”
Ay Safa also explains that due to a lack of awareness about preventing dental pain during pregnancy, she faced challenges. After visiting a doctor and resolving her dental issues, she was able to have a healthy delivery. She says,
“Honestly, I didn’t have much awareness at the time. Dental problems could harm both mother and child, so I didn’t take it seriously. Fortunately, nothing serious happened, my baby was born healthy, and I didn’t have a premature birth. Later, I realized that it’s important to visit a doctor early. This experience taught me to take even small issues seriously during pregnancy.”
According to obstetricians, dental problems during pregnancy can have serious consequences for the fetus. They stress that dental examinations during pregnancy are especially important, and neglecting them can lead to serious health risks for pregnant women. Khatera Tanesh, an obstetrician, explains the consequences of dental problems for mother and child,
“One impact of dental problems is the birth of a baby with lower than normal weight. Inflammation and dental infections can prevent the fetus from developing properly. Dental examinations are an important part of prenatal care. Many obstetricians and dentists recommend that every pregnant woman visit a dentist at least once during pregnancy. Dental checkups are crucial during pregnancy because hormonal changes during pregnancy can make gums more sensitive and increase gum bleeding.”
We attempted to get the perspective of health officials in Faryab province, but they were unwilling to respond.
Oral and dental health during pregnancy plays a vital role in the health of both mother and fetus. Hormonal changes can cause gum inflammation and dental infections, which may lead to preterm birth or low birth weight. However, a lack of awareness and limited access to dental services can create challenges for pregnant women.
Reporter: Yolduz Masror
