[DENTAL CARE DURING PREGNANCY].

Pregnancy is a period, in which, and due to hormonal changes, the prevalence of periodontal diseases rises. The causing organisms for these diseases may migrate to the uterus and cause premature delivery. The diet during pregnancy may also have a deleterious effect on the oral and dental health of the parturient woman, as well as to the teeth of her child. Some unique dietary, as well as pathological conditions, which may appear in pregnant women are known. These are referred to as pica and epulis. Physicians involved in taking care of pregnant women, such as dentists, obstetricians and family physicians, are normally reluctant to refer, or to perform dental care on a pregnant patient. The present review of the current literature suggests that there is no basis for this avoidance. This is because dental care has been found safe for both mother and fetus during the whole period of pregnancy. Furthermore, dental care is even recommended, if not mandatory, because it has been shown that such treatment may prevent early delivery and possible future damage to the newborn's teeth. Considering the lack of knowledge among those who are responsible for the welfare of both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy, we suggest a publication of an official recommendations paper for dental care during pregnancy, which will be issued by the relevant professional medical societies in Israel.