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Pregnancy is a period of both joy and anxiety in a woman's life and is characterized by various physiological changes in her body brought about by the circulating female sex hormones. The oral cavity is also the seat of changes and these physiologic changes of pregnancy need to be addressed while managing the pregnant woman in the dental clinic. The main goal is to minimize the occurrence of any complications that might harm the mother-to-be and/or the unborn child. Preventive, emergency, and routine dental procedures are all deemed suitable during various phases of pregnancy, with some treatment modifications and initial planning.
Clinical Relevance: The dentist should be in a position to manage pregnant women in clinical practice effectively.
Article
Pregnancy is a special period in a woman's life where the maintenance of health is as important as the joys of impending motherhood. Therefore, understanding the changes that occur within the pregnant woman's body is of prime importance for any clinician attempting to deliver quality care. These changes are primarily affected by the circulating sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone.1 Traditionally, dentists have exhibited reluctance on their part in providing treatment to pregnant women, mainly due to uncertainty of the risks involving two individuals, the woman and the unborn foetus, and also due to the myths prevalent about pregnancy itself.2 The vast body of literature has shown beyond doubt that the oral health of pregnant mothers has a major impact on the health of their infants. This fact highlights the heightened need for a pregnant woman to receive routine dental care throughout her pregnancy.
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