Why the Gums Change During Pregnancy
It is not the amount of plaque that changes but the strength of the gum's response.
The hormonal response and pregnancy gingivitis
Rising hormone levels increase the permeability of the vessels in the gum and amplify the inflammatory response, so an amount of plaque that caused no trouble before now produces swelling and bleeding. This is called pregnancy gingivitis. Some women develop a soft, easily bleeding overgrowth in one area, usually between two teeth; it is a benign tissue reaction that generally regresses after birth and is often simply observed. None of this is a reason to clean less — the opposite is true.
Practical advice during pregnancy
- Keep brushing even if it bleeds; use a soft brush
- Continue flossing daily
- Do not brush straight after vomiting; rinse first
- Rinse with water, or water with a little bicarbonate
- If you must snack often, choose sugar-free options
- Continue using a fluoride toothpaste
- Tell us you are pregnant and how many weeks before the visit
Timing and safety of treatment
The second trimester is usually the most comfortable for routine work. Nausea is common in the first, while lying flat can be uncomfortable in the third, so appointments are kept short and the position adjusted. Emergencies stand outside this order: untreated infection or severe pain places a greater burden than the procedure itself, so abscesses, swelling and persistent pain are never postponed. Radiographs are taken only when needed and with a lead apron; the beam for dental films is very small and not directed at the abdomen. Local anaesthesia can be used in pregnancy — tell us how many weeks you are and any advice from your own doctor.
Getting Here, Booking and Emergencies from Uzunoluk
Route, booking and emergency arrangements for patients from Uzunoluk.
Getting here from Uzunoluk
Uzunoluk lies in the Alanya district of Antalya; Alanya is a coastal tourism district, about 132 kilometres from the clinic. We also see patients from neighbouring areas that share the route from Uzunoluk, such as Konaklı, Okurcalar, Sapadere, Şıhlar. You can ask for the location on WhatsApp when travelling from Uzunoluk.
Appointments for Uzunoluk
Over the distance between Uzunoluk and the clinic each visit means a day, so a long slot is set aside and the number of visits needed is stated at the outset. As with patients from Alanya generally, appointments for families from Uzunoluk can be scheduled consecutively.
Emergencies from Uzunoluk
Always call before setting out from Uzunoluk at night; over this distance the guidance you receive on the phone matters in keeping the situation from worsening. For patients coming from Dental Clinic in Uzunoluk, the clinic is open 24/7 and in an emergency the order is set by severity rather than arrival time. For spreading facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or toothache with fever, go to the nearest emergency department.
The Decision to Extract in Orthodontic Treatment
Extracting a sound tooth for an orthodontic plan seems senseless to a patient at first. The decision rests on space that cannot be obtained any other way.
Where space comes from
Aligning a crowded arch requires space, obtainable in three ways: expanding the jaw, minimal reduction between the teeth, and extraction. Which suits depends on how much space is needed. A small amount can be found by reduction and a moderate amount by expansion; with severe crowding, extraction is required because the other methods have limits and forcing them causes gum recession and root resorption.
Which tooth is extracted
Premolars are usually chosen because of their position: they sit in the middle of the arch, create space both forward and back, and are not visible. The space is then closed completely by orthodontics; the patient is not left with a visible gap. Which tooth is taken is decided from measurements, radiographs and analysis of the facial profile.
Is non-extraction always better?
No — this is a common misconception. Where space is lacking and non-extraction is insisted upon, the teeth are pushed outward; the front teeth protrude, lip support is spoiled and the gums recede. The result is worse both aesthetically and for health, and relapse becomes more likely. The right question is not whether to extract but where the needed space will come from.
