p r a c t i c E Contact Author Oral Health Care for the Pregnant Patient

Pregnancy is a unique time in a woman’s life, accompanied by a variety of physiologic, anatomic and hormonal changes that can affect how oral health care is provided. However, these patients are not medically compromised and should not be denied dental treatment simply because they are pregnant. This article discusses the normal changes associated with pregnancy, general considerations in the care of pregnant patients, and possible dental complications of pregnancy and their management. Most pregnant patients are generally healthy and need not be denied dental treatment solely because they are pregnant. However, even a healthy pregnancy causes major changes in maternal anatomy, physiology and metabolism. These can include changes in the cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, as well as changes in the oral cavity and increased susceptibility to oral infection. Although these adaptations of maternal organ systems are normal, they do necessitate consideration and adjustments in treatment by any dentist who is providing oral health care and prescribing medications for the patient. This article discusses the various changes that occur during normal pregnancy and suggests modifications in dental manage-ment that should be considered