Pregnancy scaling – pros and cons

Dental hygiene, which includes scaling, laser decontamination, and aiflow, is the most important and most frequently performed procedure for maintaining oral health.

• Scaling – A procedure that removes large tartar deposits using an ultrasonic vibrating handpiece. This vibrates the tartar deposit, which then "flies" off the tooth surface. There is no risk of damaging the enamel surface, as some patients ask.

• Brushing – The process of removing small tartar deposits and cleaning external stains.

• Airflow – A procedure in which a jet of water, air, and sodium bicarbonate powder penetrates between the teeth and slightly below the gum line, removing stains from the teeth and completing the cleaning process. It is recommended for all types of cleaning, especially for patients with periodontal disease, those wearing orthodontic appliances, and smokers.

Sanitation is recommended every 6 months, maximum. For pregnant patients, scaling is recommended every 3-4 months. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients are often avoided by doctors of all specialties. They are special patients, with a particular pathology and reactivity. This is especially true when it comes to the oral cavity. 

Pregnant patients often do not resolve their dental problems before becoming pregnant. Thus, at least from a periodontal point of view, against a backdrop of poor hygiene combined with hormonal changes, the periodontal tissue changes. 

Ideally, before planning to become pregnant, the patient should resolve all dental issues:

• treat cavities;
• replace old and incorrectly fitted seals;
• endodontic treatment that is necessary;
• perform the necessary extractions;
• to clean the oral cavity.

Anesthesia should be avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy – this is when the fetus's organs are formed, and in the third trimester of pregnancy – there is a risk of miscarriage. The recommendation is to have dental scaling done before becoming pregnant. Then, every 3-4 months, the patient is advised to return for a check-up, during which cleaning or airflow is performed as needed. The last cleaning is recommended to be performed immediately before delivery because after delivery, it is more difficult for the mother to move around.

Unfortunately, most patients do not follow these recommendations. Poor hygiene, combined with hormonal changes, can lead to pregnancy gingivitis. This is usually temporary and resolves after cleaning and laser scaling, which cleans the periodontal space of bacteria that cause gum disease. The riskof developing this gingivitis is reduced to almost 0 with rigorous hygiene combined with frequent cleaning at the dentist's office.

The first step is to calm the patient down, but also to make them aware of their situation, explain the brushing technique at home, and perform a complete cleaning, including scaling, brushing, and airflow. Then, the patient waits a few days for the periodontal tissue to heal. If the symptoms completely disappear, then the result will be maintained with the help of hygiene treatments. This rarely happens. Most of the time, periodontal treatment with a laser. 

The great benefit for the patient is that this is a non-surgical procedure, painless and with maximum results. The results will then be maintained with rigorous hygiene at home and sanitization carried out in the clinic.

If you need dental cleaning, you can make an appointment online or contact us by phone at +40.318.282.274