Oral Health Care Extended to Pre-Pregnancy; Dentist: Necessary X-rays Are Safe
Dentists emphasize the importance of oral health care before and during pregnancy, stating that necessary dental X-rays are safe. Maintaining good oral hygiene and completing dental treatments before pregnancy are crucial for the health of both mother and child.
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- 📰 Published: May 5, 2026 at 19:12
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Chen Chieh-ling, Taipei, 5th) As the saying goes, "having a child ruins a tooth." Dentists today reminded that if expectant mothers cannot maintain normal oral hygiene and health, it will affect the health of the fetus. Oral health care should be extended to before pregnancy, and necessary dental X-rays during pregnancy are safe.
Three and a half years ago, Tri-Service General Hospital treated a Ms. Lin, in her 30s, whose dental infection during pregnancy nearly caused a miscarriage. The cross-departmental team ensured the safety of both mother and child. Dr. Li Hsiao-ping, Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Tri-Service General Hospital, explained at a press conference today that pregnant women experience hormonal changes that affect the oral environment, increasing the incidence of periodontitis and dental caries. Therefore, greater attention must be paid to oral care to maintain good oral hygiene.
Dr. Li further pointed out that according to international statistics, about 60% to 70% of pregnant women suffer from gingivitis and periodontitis-related problems. Oral health is closely related to overall health and is an important cornerstone of overall health and quality of life. Maternal health is even more critical, and various dental treatments must be completed before pregnancy.
Dr. Li mentioned that the preterm birth rate for pregnant women with gingivitis is 3 to 7 times higher than for normal expectant mothers, and the incidence of giving birth to low birth weight infants is also 1.5 to 3 times higher. Pregnant women with wisdom tooth inflammation and infection may develop cellulitis, and even lead to miscarriage. There have been cases where pregnant women who did not receive dental treatment during pregnancy mistakenly took medication, leading to liver failure and fetal death.
Dr. Li reminded that there are four major points for oral health care for pregnant women: The first point is that if oral discomfort symptoms appear, seek medical attention early; the second point is to brush teeth 2 to 3 times a day, and it is recommended to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and dental floss; the third point is a balanced diet, limiting sugar intake, eating more fibrous foods, and focusing on consuming vitamins, calcium, and high-quality protein.
The fourth point is to regularly receive oral examinations and dental hygiene education during pregnancy. Dr. Li said that the current national health insurance provides coverage for related items, so pregnant women do not need to pay out of pocket. The medical services provided by dental clinics include calculus removal, plaque control, dental hygiene instruction, and newborn oral care and hygiene guidance. Pregnant women can schedule one visit every 90 days.
Many pregnant women worry about X-rays. Dr. Li pointed out that according to the consensus of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), necessary dental X-rays during pregnancy are safe with appropriate protective measures. Considering that dental X-ray examinations have an extremely low health risk, international radiation protection organizations do not recommend lead collars and lead aprons as routine protective measures.
Regarding whether oral surgery can be performed during pregnancy, Dr. Li stated that during the first trimester (0 to 3 months), when fetal organs are developing, only emergency treatment or scaling is recommended; during the second trimester (4 to 6 months), the fetus is more stable, which is a safe period for fillings, extractions, and root canal treatments; during the third trimester (7 months and above), prolonged supine position should be avoided to prevent compression of blood vessels causing discomfort, and only emergency treatment is recommended. (Edited by Chen Ching-fang) 1150505
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(Central News Agency reporter Chen Chieh-ling, Taipei, 5th) As the saying goes, "having a child ruins a tooth." Dentists today reminded that if expectant mothers cannot maintain normal oral hygiene and health, it will affect the health of the fetus. Oral health care should be extended to before pregnancy, and necessary dental X-rays during pregnancy are safe.
Three and a half years ago, Tri-Service General Hospital treated a Ms. Lin, in her 30s, whose dental infection during pregnancy nearly caused a miscarriage. The cross-departmental team ensured the safety of both mother and child. Dr. Li Hsiao-ping, Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Tri-Service General Hospital, explained at a press conference today that pregnant women experience hormonal changes that affect the oral environment, increasing the incidence of periodontitis and dental caries. Therefore, greater attention must be paid to oral care to maintain good oral hygiene.
Dr. Li further pointed out that according to international statistics, about 60% to 70% of pregnant women suffer from gingivitis and periodontitis-related problems. Oral health is closely related to overall health and is an important cornerstone of overall health and quality of life. Maternal health is even more critical, and various dental treatments must be completed before pregnancy.
Dr. Li mentioned that the preterm birth rate for pregnant women with gingivitis is 3 to 7 times higher than for normal expectant mothers, and the incidence of giving birth to low birth weight infants is also 1.5 to 3 times higher. Pregnant women with wisdom tooth inflammation and infection may develop cellulitis, and even lead to miscarriage. There have been cases where pregnant women who did not receive dental treatment during pregnancy mistakenly took medication, leading to liver failure and fetal death.
Dr. Li reminded that there are four major points for oral health care for pregnant women: The first point is that if oral discomfort symptoms appear, seek medical attention early; the second point is to brush teeth 2 to 3 times a day, and it is recommended to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and dental floss; the third point is a balanced diet, limiting sugar intake, eating more fibrous foods, and focusing on consuming vitamins, calcium, and high-quality protein.
The fourth point is to regularly receive oral examinations and dental hygiene education during pregnancy. Dr. Li said that the current national health insurance provides coverage for related items, so pregnant women do not need to pay out of pocket. The medical services provided by dental clinics include calculus removal, plaque control, dental hygiene instruction, and newborn oral care and hygiene guidance. Pregnant women can schedule one visit every 90 days.
Many pregnant women worry about X-rays. Dr. Li pointed out that according to the consensus of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), necessary dental X-rays during pregnancy are safe with appropriate protective measures. Considering that dental X-ray examinations have an extremely low health risk, international radiation protection organizations do not recommend lead collars and lead aprons as routine protective measures.
Regarding whether oral surgery can be performed during pregnancy, Dr. Li stated that during the first trimester (0 to 3 months), when fetal organs are developing, only emergency treatment or scaling is recommended; during the second trimester (4 to 6 months), the fetus is more stable, which is a safe period for fillings, extractions, and root canal treatments; during the third trimester (7 months and above), prolonged supine position should be avoided to prevent compression of blood vessels causing discomfort, and only emergency treatment is recommended. (Edited by Chen Ching-fang) 1150505
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.