Revisiting Prenatal Dental Care Practices- A Comprehensive Review

Pregnancy represents a physiological state characterized by a myriad of transformative processes within the female body. Regrettably, the oral manifestations of these changes are frequently overlooked by both gynecologists and dental practitioners. Furthermore, empirical evidence has substantiated a correlation between inadequate oral hygiene in pregnant individuals and an elevated likelihood of encountering complications during pregnancy, including but not limited to low birth weight, premature delivery, and dental anomalies.

It is imperative for dentists to adhere to meticulously crafted protocols governing the utilization of X-rays, anesthetics, and antibiotics during dental procedures involving pregnant women. Additionally, dental professionals should possess a comprehensive understanding of common oral findings specific to pregnant individuals, such as pyogenic granuloma, and foster effective communication with gynecologists when pregnant patients seek dental consultations. In the field of gynecology, practitioners are strongly recommended to integrate oral health assessments into their antenatal care programs. Simultaneously, dentists are encouraged not to exhibit hesitancy in delivering dental interventions to pregnant women. This review article serves as a comprehensive professional guide for interdisciplinary collaboration between gynecologists and dentists. It presents a systematic algorithm delineating the nuances of dental treatment during pregnancy, with due consideration given to both gynecological and dental perspectives for enhancing the quality services in both fields.

Keywords:Pregnancy; Oral health; Dental care; Obstetricians; Pregnancy outcomes; X-rays; Anaesthetics; Antibiotics; Pyogenic granuloma; Antenatal care; Quality of dental services