Oral health in pregnancy (Guidelines to gynaecologists, general physicians & oral health care providers)

Primary health care providers are in a unique position to treat the pregnant mothers for dental as well as general health for a healthy mother and child. Oral cavity is also subjected to reversible as well as irreversible changes due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Perinatal mortality rates in Pakistan are more than 10-fold greater than in developed countries. It increased with the severity of periodontal disease. Patients, physicians, and dentists are cautious, often avoiding treatment of oral health issues during pregnancy. This problem is compounded by a lack of clinical guidelines for the prevention and management of common oral conditions in pregnancy. This article reviews the commonly occuring oral problems during pregnancy and their management, guidelines for prenatal counselling, dental procedures that can be carried out during pregnancy and preventive strategies that could be helpful in preventing the commonly occurring diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease.